OUR grief is far from over. Yet, we find some healing in pursuing justice for our extra-judicially killed loved ones. Memories of our kin and the dreams we shared for a better future provide us with courage to continue. We have endured nights of lamentation and tears, for even comforting words fall short in soothing the ache. We continue to question why it seems so easy for the poor to be murdered. A state sanction to kill is unforgivable and the silence of the majority can feel deafening.
We are convinced of the truth of state accountability for the prevailing climate of violence and killings as well as the frequent involvement of state forces. Many of us have tediously navigated layer upon layer in securing documents and evidences. Still, even with documents, legal procedures are not accessible and our complaints fall on deaf, incompetent or complicit ears. We still believe that there must be remedies to the failing and broken systems in our country. We are sustained by the solidarity and strength of churches, lawyers, journalists, artists, activists, educators and human rights defenders.
We welcome the report of the UNOHCHR with appreciation and respect. Even many of the messages during the presentation as the 44th UNHRC affirmed that we are not alone. Others share a common pursuit for accountability and rectification on the widespread and systematic human rights violations in the Philippines.
We appeal to the UNHRC to pursue an independent investigation of the killings and human rights violations in the Philippines.
The announcement of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on the creation of an inter-agency panel that would review over 5,600 police anti-drug operations since 2016 can be helpful, but it is not enough given the extent of killings in the country already. We simply find it difficult to reconcile how this new panel will suddenly resolve four years of killings, when their track record of accountability seems to be limited only to the killing of Kian delos Santos.
Nevertheless, we will be willing to explore any fruitful venue or avenue in seeking justice and bringing an end to the killings in the Philippines. While we are not confident on the integrity of the said task force, but we will engage--along with those who work in solidarity with us--to analyze and engage this panel in hopes for justice as long as they assure: 1) safety for victims and their families; 2) availability of reports, evidence and records from the PNP and other agencies; 3) parallel and simultaneous engagement with other available human rights mechanisms, such at in-country visits of Human Rights Special Rapporteurs of the United Nations; and, 4) the cessation of Oplan Double Barrel and other tokhang-style operations.
Our willingness to participate in the Philpppine Government’s inter-agency panel says much more about our commitment in pursuing accountability than it does our faith that this will be a potent or effective engagement.
An independent investigation is in order. Please help us, “Stop the Killings!”