September 7, 2015
Mr. Brad Adams
Executive Director, Asia Division
Human Rights Watch
350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, NY 10118-3299
Dear Mr. Adams:
This pertains to your letter dated August 26, 2015 regarding human rights issues related to the Philippine National Police.
At the outset, please accept our appreciation for the fact that Human Rights Watch acknowledges the PNP's efforts to address organizational challenges and human rights concerns through the European Union-Philippines Justice Support Programme (EPJUST II), as well as our modernization program and efforts to further professionalize our personnel.
May we also cite the gains of the ongoing Performance Governance System - PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030, which include the promotion of transparency in our financial/resource management, improved strategic planning, and renewed focus on achieving long term results. This System is also key to mainstreaming human rights based principles and practices in every facet of police operations and administration. In fact, independent reports released by the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP) cited the following breakthroughs:
- 86% decrease in the no. of reported cases of Enforced Disappearance
- 66% decrease in the no. of reported cases of Extra-Legal Killing (ELK) and 37% decrease in the number of ELK victims
- 85% decrease in the no. of reported cases of Torture & Ill-Treatment and 90% decrease in the no. of Torture &Ill-Treatment victims
Thorough investigation of police misconduct and alleged human rights violations continue without ceasing. The actual prosecution in court of these cases may takes time as we observe also the rights to due process of law, but the PNP remains committed to be fair to all to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, no matter how hard or how long it takes.
Another initiative is the active participation in the Community Based Dialogue on Human Rights Promotion and Protection. It aims to contribute to the improvement of the Human Rights situation in the Philippines primarily through the enhancement of the relationship between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police on one hand, and local communities and civil society organization on the other hand in the community effort to promote human rights.
With the support of other government agencies, human rights NGOs/, civil society, and the international community, we are confident that more improvements will be achieved in terms of protecting human rights in our country, especially if we hear positive inputs and specific data from all concerned sectors.
Thank you and we hope that you would find the above information relevant and useful in the pursuit of Human Rights Watch's important advocacy.
Very truly yours,
Dennis A Siervo
Police Senior Superintendent
Acting Chief HRAO
