A SURVEY by the Institute of Popular Opinion of the University of Mindanao (UM-IPO) revealed that with the ongoing allegations of extra judicial killings in the country, almost half of Dabawenyos still believe in the relevance of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

“Even with the rampant cases of killing in the country roughly 50 percent of the Dabawenyos would is still important to be part of the government,” Dr. Ma. Linda Arquiza, University of Mindanao Assistant Vice President for Research and Publication Center, said in a press conference at Habi at Kape Wednesday, July 18.

According to the study conducted by UM-IPO, with 1,200 respondents 47 percent still believes that CHR is still relevant today, while 43 percent says otherwise, and ten percent gave no response.

When asked if they agree to have the CHR to be abolished, 65 percent of the respondents said no while 30 percent agreed for the commission to be abolished, and five percent had no response.

Though when asked if CHR protects the rights of all citizens, including police, military, criminals, and insurgents, 65 percent of the respondent said no. 26 percent said yes, and nine percent were ambivalent.

Arquiza said, “This is still one way to show that Filipinos still realize the importance of a governing body to manage human rights issue even when the said institution (CHR) is faced with conflicts.”