AFP,CHR and NGO’s agree on the national monitoring mechanism

CAMP EMILIO F. AGUINALDO, Quezon City — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and other participating agencies and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) have agreed to adopt and incorporate the measures on how the national monitoring mechanism will operate as proposed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the meeting held at the CHR building last Wednesday. The proposal’s goal is parallel to the goal of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan of the AFP.

A flowchart of actions to be undertaken is provided by the proposal. The AFP perceives such a procedure as more organized and progressive in terms of accomplishing tasks. Included in the proposal are the mandate and objectives of NMM, a comprehensive organizational structure designating duties to each branch, and a step-by-step process of collation and coordination with government bodies and civil society organizations (CSOs). The ultimate aim of the proposal is to have a zero-tolerance of extralegal killings (ELKs) and enforced disappearances (EDs).

The Armed Forces of the Philippines expressed its concrete and utmost sincerity in the resolution of ELKs and EDs through the presentation of the proposal presided by AFP Human Rights Office (HRO) Chief Col. Domingo Tutaan Jr.

Col. Tutaan presented his concept of operations regarding the establishment of a National Monitoring Mechanism (NMM) which was established by the Presidential Human Rights Committee (PHRC). The NMM seeks to monitor progress in resolving ELKs and EDs in the past as well as those of the present.

The briefing served as a follow-on meeting of the members of the inter-agency and multi-sector body seeking to address the problem. Among the attendees of the briefing were Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), Sulong CARHRIHL, government agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Attendees were given a copy of the proposal and are scheduled to meet again with AFP HRO, CHR, and other involved CSOs on June 3 to finalize all inputs and recommendations to the proposal.

June 15 is the expected date of the finalized proposal to be presented to the involved organizations including CHR and PHRC. At present, the proposal undertakes action in the selection of CSOs and government agencies which will be assigned as members of specific branches under the NMM.

AFP’s commitment to giving abundant regard on human rights is emphasized as the military organization institutes a stronger force aimed at resolving ELK and ED incidents. Through close coordination with CHR, PHRC, CSOs and government offices, the Armed Forces remains optimistic that it will gradually and ultimately put an end to the problem.

“Your AFP will continue to be an active partner of other government offices/agencies and the civil-sector towards bringing to a just resolve of all ELK and ED cases and the prevention of such incidents. We will never tolerate or condone any AFP personnel/unit who violates the human rights of any person,” Chief of Staff Gen Eduardo SL Oban Jr said. (Ogie Salvador/AFP)