PNP welcomes UN reso: This will strengthen police’s commitment to rule of law

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday welcomed the resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council which requests the UN human rights chief to support the Philippines in fulfilling its international human rights obligations.

According to the UNHRC, it requested the Office of the High Commissioner to provide assistance to further improve the situation of human rights in the Philippines and to provide support for the country in the fulfillment of its international human rights obligations and commitments.

"The Philippine National Police welcomes the resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council that spared the Philippines from international probe into alleged human rights abuses," PNP spokesman Police Colonel Ysmael Yu said in a press statement.

"We acknowledge this manifestation of the UNHRC’s recognition of the Philippine government’s initiatives to review and reevaluate all allegations of human rights violations in the implementation of the national anti-illegal drugs campaign," Yu added.

Yu underscored that the proposed “technical cooperation and capacity-building for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines" could provide more opportunities for the police to further promote the advocacy to protect, respect and fulfill human rights in all aspects of police operation.

"This will further strengthen the PNP’s firm commitment to uphold the rule of law, through strict adherence to the PNP Operational Procedures or Rules of Engagement that emphasizes highly on respect for human rights and international humanitarian law," Yu said.

Yu said the intention of the Human Rights Council is not a celebration for the PNP but a point to ponder on some issues to undertake.

"The PNP will do its job as intended, and perform to its best for what is right and to assure that PNP will always be there to serve and protect every Filipino family as its partners," he said.

Several human rights groups in the Philippines expressed disappointment over the resolution, saying the UNHRC’s offer of technical assistance was not enough amid the continued violence in the country. — BM, GMA News