Palace welcomes CHR probe on military ops in Marawi

MANILA -- 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. SunStar Philippines