EU report rehash of criticisms aired by losing political party: Abella

October 24, 2017

Malacanang branded on Tuesday as "rehash" the findings on the Philippines by the European Union Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella noted that the EU report, covering the second half of 2016, was made before the Philippines' third cycle Universal Period Review by the United Nations Human Rights Council in May this year.

"The Philippine government has already responded to these allegations during the said UPR, the report of which was unanimously adopted by the UNHRC last month," Abella said, referring to EU's report stating the "serious deterioration in respect for the right to life, due process and the rule of law" in the wake of the Duterte administration's bloody war against illegal drugs.

"We note, however, that the EU's report covers the period of last year's elections and many of its alleged findings are a rehash of criticisms aired by the political party whose candidate lost to the President," he said.

Abella reiterated that the Philippine government is investigating allegations of drug-related killings, extrajudicial death, and media violence to ensure the accountability of perpetrators.

"It has to be underscored that all the drug-related deaths arising from legitimate police operations have been done based on rules of engagement.  Thus, while they remain as suspects, their violent resistance against police officers whose lives were put at risk are considered actionable offenses," Abella said.

He added congressional hearings were convened to look into allegations and "have proved that the State does not sanction wanton and unjustified killings."

"Impunity does not have a place in this administration," he added.

The latest EU report said about 6,000 people were killed from July to mid-December last year, with one third of them took place during the police operations. Celerina Monte/DMS