PNP lauds PH, UN joint program on human rights promotion

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday welcomed the recently signed accord between the Philippines and the United Nations on the promotion of human rights.

Last week, the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs inked a three-year pact with the UN, which aims to protect human rights in the Philippines.

The deal is also a commitment of the Philippines to include a human rights dimension in its law enforcement.

PNP Chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, vowed that in the police organization, human rights will always be given utmost importance.

“I assure that PNP personnel apply a human rights-based approach in our operations as our organization values and respects Constitutionally-guaranteed rights and the rule of law,” Eleazar said in a statement. “I can guarantee the full cooperation of the PNP, which has always held human rights in high regard. Our Police Operational Procedure and policies are geared towards human rights-based law enforcement.”

Eleazar pointed out that part of the PNP’s protection of human rights is its mechanisms for transparency and accountability.

Currently, the PNP is closely coordinating with the DOJ in investigating alleged human rights violations committed by police officers in anti-illegal drug operations.

“With its partnership with other agencies, the PNP shows that it is serious in upholding human rights and does not tolerate abuses,” Eleazar said.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the deal signifies the country’s commitment to partner with the UN in human rights promotion and protection.

“The joint program embodies the partnership, trust-building, and constructive engagement between the Philippines and the UN on human rights promotion and protection. I commend all government agencies and the UN bodies involved for the tireless work in developing this program,” he said.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, meanwhile, described the launch as a manifestation of Manila’s “sincere efforts to infuse its law enforcement and investigative operations with a human rights dimension in a non-political setting”.

The signing of this first-ever national joint program follows the adoption of Human Rights Council Resolution 45/33 on Oct. 7, 2020, which outlined specific areas for capacity-building and technical cooperation on human rights in the country.