CHR ”firm” police, military can handle lawlessness without martial law in Mindanao

December 12, 2018

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) '' is firm in its position that our security sector, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines combined, can address acts of lawlessness without the need for martial law. "

In a statement after a joint session of Congress approved the extension of martial law in Mindanao for the third time, CHR said '' martial law is never meant to be the status quo."

" The said declaration is an extraordinary measure that the 1987 Constitution prescribes as reserved only to instances of actual invasion and rebellion," the CHR said.

The CHR "equally stresses the need to address reports of human rights violations on the ground by actively investigating such claims, and not merely highlighting assertions of its success."

"If we are to bring peace to Mindanao, it has to be inclusive and durable—not at the expense of others and their rights," added CHR. DMS