After Calabarzon slays, EU recalls Philippines' vow to make rights violators liable

The European Union on Wednesday night welcomed the Philippine government's announcement that it will investigate the deaths of nine individuals in the serving of search warrants in Calabarzon over the weekend.

In a statement, the EU delegation in the country also recalled the country's commitment before the United Nations Human Rights Council "to ensure accountability for human rights violations and abuses."

"The Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines welcomes the announcement by the Government of the Philippines to investigate the killings of nine individuals by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines on 7 March 2021 in Calabarzon region," the EU delegation said.

"Reports on the use of excessive force against unarmed individuals and alleged irregularities in the law enforcement operations have raised concerns," it added.

The EU delegation said ensuring liability should be "in accordance with due process under national courts of law and in full compliance with its international human rights obligations."

The delegation also said that the EU and the Philippines on February 5 discussed strengthening accountability and investigative measures during the meeting of the Sub-Committee on Good Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights under the EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

"The EU and the Philippines agreed on the need to acknowledge and to protect human rights defenders and enable their work in accordance with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders," the delegation said.

No less than Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra had said he was frustrated by the deadly police operation in different areas in Calabarzon over the weekend.

The bloody incidents happened just weeks after Guevarra reported to the United Nations Human Rights Commission about breaches in protocols in anti-drugs operations.

“Medyo nadi-disappoint ako kasi puwede naman gawin ang law enforcement sa isang paraan na hindi na kailangan kumitil ng buhay. Kung talagang sila naman, nalalagay ang kanilang personal safety sa danger at at risk yung ginagawa nila, they have the right to defend themselves. Pero yung parang to use unnecessary force kung hindi naman in danger ang iyong personal safety, parang hindi tama yon. To that extent, doon ako nafu-frustrate,” he said.

But the Justice chief clarified that the President’s pronouncements to go after communist rebels had nothing to do with the incidents.

On Monday, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the government will investigate the killing of nine activists during separate police operations in Calabarzon over the weekend.

Roque said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra will lead the probe.

Several groups have condemned the killing, noting that it happened two days after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered government forces to kill suspected rebels without regard for human rights.

Roque, however, said the deadly raids should not be linked to Duterte’s call, saying killing armed rebels is provided for under the international Humanitarian Law.

“Tama iyong order ng President to kill communists kasi kung ang kalaban ay may armas, alangan namang mag antay ka lang na ikaw ay mabaril,” he said.

The police earlier said the operations were covered by court-issued search warrants and that those killed resisted arrest.

Aside from those killed, six were arrested in the operations, police said.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights has also dispatched a team to investigate the killings and arrests.-Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB/LDF, GMA News