NCJ Number
133676
Date Published
1991
Length
185 pages
Annotation
Although the Philippine government of President Aquino has repeatedly asserted its commitment to uphold human rights, the government has consistently failed to hold human rights violators accountable.
Abstract
Military and civilian investigatory and prosecutorial agencies have not been effective in bringing human rights violators to justice. Courts have rendered convictions for politically motivated killings, forced disappearances, and torture by government forces in only a few cases. Confident of impunity, Philippine soldiers, police, and paramilitary personnel continue to commit serious abuses. Politically motivated acts of violence have occurred primarily in the context of the conflict between government forces and the New People's Army, the armed wing of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines. The insurgents are also responsible for human rights violations. While various factors contribute to the Philippine government's poor record in prosecuting human rights crimes, the most significant involves the obstruction of justice by military and police officers who have primary responsibility for investigating alleged human rights violations. The government's lack of resolve to establish accountability for human rights offenses is exemplified by the performance of its Commission on Human Rights that was created in 1987. The prosecution of human rights offenders is viewed as the only adequate deterrent to future violations. Specific recommendations to improve the investigation and prosecution of human rights violations are offered. 490 footnotes