Palace welcomes CHR’s probe of military operations in Marawi

MALACAÑANG welcomed Thursday the Commission on Human Rights' (CHR) plan to probe the allegations of human rights abuses against government troops deployed in the war-torn Marawi City.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Armed Forces of the Philippines would cooperate with the human rights body to prove that it respects human rights and the international humanitarian law.

"We welcome the Commission on Human Rights' review and investigation of the action of state security forces in Marawi, in connection with human rights. This ensures adherence to the rule of law, which is vital in upholding democracy," Abella said.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines, we have to underline, gives primacy to the principles of human rights and international humanitarian law, and it continues to work with the CHR to ensure that no violation is committed by its units on the ground, in connection with military operations, whether or not there is martial law," he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law on May 23 after pro-Islamic State (IS) Maute terror group laid siege to Marawi in a bid to establish caliphate for Southeast Asia fighters.

Duterte, on October 17, declared the liberation of Marawi following the deaths of local extremist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute. He, however, has yet to lift the martial law in the southern region, which is effective until the end of 2017.

In June, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Lanao del Sur Chapter reported the number of alleged human rights abuses amid the declaration of martial rule in the entire Mindanao.

The lawyer’s group in Lanao del Sur said the government forces violated the Constitution because of searches without warrants, unauthorized intrusions, forcible entries, and “ransacking” of residential and commercial establishments, and “total disregard” of plain view doctrine in searches and seizure activities.

The CHR is reportedly looking into the complaints of human rights abuses during the lengthy offensives against Islamist fighters in Marawi City.

However, despite CHR’s planned investigation, Abella said the government was looking forward to eventual “rising of Marawi” after the Commander-in-Chief announced that Marawi was liberated from the hands of the terrorists.

“We look with anticipation on the rising of Marawi,” the presidential spokesman said.

Abella said the government would issue multi-billion pesos in bonds in January to finance the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

He said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III was studying the possible issuance of P30-billion bonds after Duterte earlier committed to source P20 billion to rehabilitate the besieged city.

“The President has committed ample funds to rebuild Marawi and the January bonds will ensure that his pledge is fulfilled,” he said.

Abella also considers as a positive development the arrest of Karen Aisha Hamidon, widow of terror Ansar Khalifa Philippines leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, by the National Bureau of Investigation last Wednesday.

He said the arrest of Hamidon, an alleged recruiter who used online messaging applications to urge foreign terrorists to join Maute terror group in Marawi, was a proof that the government would not allow hostile acts to flourish.

“The arrest of Karen Aisha Hamidon by the agents of the National Bureau of Investigation yesterday underscores that we cannot let our guard down in the fight against terrorism, as some remnants of the forces of evil are still at large,” Abella said.

“Our efforts to hunt down extremist elements who want to sow fear and terror and to maintain peace and order in the community continue as we call upon our people to be continually vigilant and cooperate to inform authorities on possible threats to public safety,” he added.