The House Committee on Human Rights, chaired by Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante, announced on Thursday that it will conduct an investigation into the deaths attributed to the war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. The hearing is scheduled for May 22 and will involve testimonies from the victims’ relatives, police officers, and former Cabinet officials.
Inquiry Focus and Rationale
“Why are we conducting an inquiry into the deaths of alleged drug addicts or drug dealers? First, we must begin with the principle that each life is valuable and that each life lost is a profound tragedy,” Abante stated during a press conference. He emphasized the constitutional rights of those who lost their lives, highlighting that due process is a fundamental right for every Filipino.
Seeking Justice
Abante underscored the nation’s responsibility to seek justice for the victims of the drug war. “They were not convicted, they were silenced. They were denied their rights. It is our responsibility to the victims and their families to seek the truth,” he said. The committee aims to diligently investigate the accusations of human rights abuses that occurred during the anti-drug operations.
Scope of the Investigation
The Duterte administration’s war on drugs resulted in approximately 6,200 officially recorded deaths of drug suspects during police operations. However, human rights organizations claim that the actual number may be as high as 30,000 due to unreported related killings.
International Scrutiny
Former President Duterte is currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s anti-drug campaign. The House inquiry will add a national layer of investigation to these ongoing international proceedings.
Next Steps
The hearing will invite key stakeholders, including the families of the victims, law enforcement officials, and former government officials, to provide their accounts and insights. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address and rectify the human rights violations reported during Duterte’s tenure.
Conclusion
The upcoming House Committee on Human Rights investigation into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs signifies a crucial step toward addressing allegations of human rights abuses and ensuring accountability. The committee’s commitment to uncovering the truth and seeking justice for the victims is a testament to the value placed on human rights and due process in the Philippines.