Killing without trial

EDITORIAL

The rampant killings without trial of supposed drug addicts and pushers in the Philippines have caught the attention of more members of the international community, which fear that it will lead to the erosion of the respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

This was noted by Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat, who is in East Timor as one of the Philippine representatives to the Asean People’s Forum, which has reaffirmed its commitment to human rights, saying they are fundamental and the bedrock on which a democracy rests.

The Asean People’s Forum is an Asean parallel network of civil society organizations that meets yearly to lobby Asean governments to address concerns on the environment, human rights and exploitation.

“Many of the Filipino CSOs participating here including regional partners and even fellow parliamentarians are expressing concern about extrajudicial killings, killings of drug suspects by the police and the planned return of the death penalty,” Baguilat said.

He said the problem with human rights violations was highlighted even more in East Timor because the Philippines will host the Asean People’s Forum next year as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations celebrates its 50th anniversary here.

“It is therefore crucial to get CSO solidarity on human rights and democracy. The spotlight of the international community will again be on us next year as Asean marks its 50th year and we cannot be known for violations of human rights,” said Baguilat, “President Duterte said he does not care about the number of people being killed. But we cannot be callous or just dismiss the loss of lives.”

“In the Philippines, people are still presumed innocent. Prove them guilty first so that the right punishment will be meted out. We cannot and must not take the law into our own hands and become judge, jury and executioner,” he added.
Baguilat also expressed his concern that this killing spree mindset is eroding public confidence in the PNP as the vanguards of the rule of law.

"I feel sorry for young idealistic policemen and women who are being forced to abandon their training and oath to protect lives. The professionalism of our police is being sacrificed for the sake of expediency," Baguilat said.

The issue is a matter of grave public concern. One cannot be indifferent to people being killed for being “suspects.” Unless one’s innocent relative is killed, the reality will strike home that this country is a nation of laws and one should not be unjustly killed with due process and trial – considering this country does not even have a death penalty.