Año says no to EJK, vows to uphold human rights

Newly installed Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año yesterday assured that the human rights of each and every Filipino will be respected and upheld during his administration.

“Look at the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) when I was the Chief of Staff and commanding general of the army isa lang naman policy and it’s always the premium on human rights of every Filipinos, everyone,” he said during the turn-over ceremony at the DILG office in Quezon City.

“‘Yung sinasabi nila during Marawi crisis ang daming apprehension pero look, meron bang violation na nagawa ang military sa human rights? In fact we encourage the filing of complaints so that we can polish our ranks sa pnp we will make sure na ganon policies natin,” he added.

Año made the statement amid the claims of human rights and activist groups that human rights violations may increase with him as the DILG chief.

Año, however, said he does not believe in committing extra-judicial killings.

“I don’t believe in extra-judicial killing. It’s not a policy of the government and we will make sure that the rights of every individual are respected and recognized,” he said.

Año’s appointment was released by Malacañang on Friday after former DILG officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy was named as the new Dangerous Drugs Board chair.

Aside from the protection of the human rights, Año said he will work hand-in-hand with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in order to cleanse its ranks.

Meanwhile, newly appointed DILG Undersecretary for barangay affairs Martin Diño said the first thing he would do as he assumes office is to order the barangay executives to submit a list of drug personalities in their areas of responsibility.

“This time, may sanction kapag hindi nakapag-submit (if they don’t submit),” he said.

Diño said the barangay officials are the government’s first line of defense.

He noted that there are at least 5 million barangay officials in the country and they would be a big help in addressing the problem on illegal drugs.