CHR-12: No martial law abuses in Soccsksargen

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Commission on Human Rights in Region 12 (CHR-12) has not recorded any case of human rights violation or abuse in Region 12 or Soccsksargen in connection with the prevailing martial law in Mindanao.   

Lawyer Erlan Deluvio, CHR-12 regional director, said Friday the implementation of martial law in the entire region has remained orderly based on their continuous monitoring and assessment.   

Deluvio said implementers led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have adhered to lawful measures, especially in the conduct of enhanced security operations.   

“We have zero violations of human rights (so far) related to martial law implementation,” he said in an interview over Brigada News FM here.   

During the first and second quarter of the year, Deluvio said they received some reports of alleged human rights violations connected to martial law, but these are still undergoing validation.   

He acknowledged that there could be some other forms of human rights abuses in the region in the past months but said they appear not related to the implementation of martial law.   

The CHR official noted that human rights cases under ordinary situations are different than those under martial law.   

“In terms of violations in checkpoints, searches and arrests, we have not seen that here,” Deluvio said.   

The AFP and PNP have sought for a third extension of the ongoing martial law in Mindanao for another year once it expires on December 31.   

The entire Mindanao was first placed by Congress under martial law during the Marawi City siege last year and eventually extended it this year.   

On Thursday, the CHR central office said “there has to be a strong reason” for the government to move for another extension of martial law.   

If it were up to him, Deluvio said he favors the extension of martial law for another year in line with the volatile security situation in Mindanao.   

Deluvio, who holds office in Koronadal City, said he feels safer with the enhanced security measures implemented in the area in line with the martial law.   

“I regularly drive home alone to Cotabato City and I think I’m much safer with the presence of more checkpoints along major highways and roads,” he added. (PNA)