New order creates special teams to handle extra-legal killings, human rights violations

President Benigno Aquino III has ordered the creation of special teams to exclusively handle cases of extra-legal killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and other forms of human rights violations by state and non-state forces.

The order forms part of an inter-agency committee (IAC), which the President established under Administrative Order No. 35, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said.

The IAC will replace the Task Force Against Political Violence that was created in 2007.

The same Administrative Order is expected to “harmonize and standardize the government’s policies and action plan for resolving human rights abuses,” Ochoa said, adding that the new directive will provide cases with “a focused investigation and speedy resolution.”

“This presidential directive reinforces the Aquino administration’s resolve to uphold and protect the rights of the people,” Ochoa said. “We believe that the creation of this high-level committee will be a more effective mechanism in handling and monitoring cases of human rights violations.” –Dexter San Pedro, InterAksyon.com