Going straight to the United Nations to file complaints over the alleged extrajudicial killings in connection to the anti-insurgency campaign of the government is just a “propaganda” of the human rights group Karapatan, says Malacañang.
“Filing directly with the UN is only for propaganda purposes because there are institutions in the Philippines that could address it,” Roque said in a text message.
Roque said that if Karapatan is concerned about upholding the right to life, they should file the complaints to the fiscal’s office and with the Supreme Court for writ of amparo.
“Karapatan knows that it can avail of all domestic remedial mechanisms. The pillars of the criminal justice system in the Philippines remain to be effective and our legal processes are well-functioning,” Roque said in a statement.
Criticizing Karapatan’s move, Roque said they are only after political mileage.
Roque, however, said he has not seen the complaints filed by Karapatan and was not aware whether the group filed charges before the local courts. He reminded the group that the state, not international bodies like the UN, is duty-bound to investigate alleged cases of extrajudicial killings.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 12/ 04 / 17)