ILOILO City – In Western Visayas, human rights are generally given significant importance, according to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
This is evidenced by the marked decrease in complaints of human rights violations filed at CHR Region 6, said Atty. Jonnie Dabuco, regional director.
He noted a substantial reduction in reports and complaints filed in his office compared to the frequency in 2018 and 2019.
“We still see cases of alleged extrajudicial killings, the latest being a dismemberment case. However, the number has significantly decreased compared to previous years like 2018 when there were almost weekly, if not daily, cases,” said Dabuco.
Majority of the complaints received by CHR-6 between 2018 and 2019 were extrajudicial killings and murder, coinciding with then president Rodrigo Duterte’s aggressive anti-illegal drugs campaign, he pointed out.
When asked about the factors leading to the decrease in cases, Dabuco cited the increased public awareness on their rights.
“People are more aware or empowered regarding their rights,” he said.
With this increased awareness, the public has taken a more active role in advocating and protecting the rights of vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and women, said Dabuco.
He also pointed out that government policy, particularly under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which is less focused on the campaign against illegal drugs, played a role in the decrease of human rights violations.
The efforts of security sectors, such as the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and others in initiating measures to prevent human rights violations and fulfil their role as protectors of human rights in the Philippines, have also been significant, he added.
Dabuco said people need to be mindful of their rights and responsibilities.
CHR Region 6 is marking the National Human Rights Consciousness Week from Dec. 4 to 10.
This year’s rights week’s theme is “Dignity, Rights and Freedom for All.”
Dec. 10 marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Dabuco stressed the importance of respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights.
While the state or nation primarily bears the responsibility to uplift and protect human rights, Dabuco said individuals also have obligations and responsibilities in safeguarding their rights and ensuring they are fulfilled.
One example he gave was the responsibility to respect each other’s right to freedom of speech, ensuring that everyone’s causes and voices are heard, while simultaneously ensuring that this right is not abused or infringes on others’ privacy rights./PN
