Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. (DFA photo)
MANILA – The Philippines joined several countries in expressing concern on the use of arbitrary detention of citizens in state-to-state relations as it signed on Tuesday a Canada-led declaration denouncing such act.
"Today, the Philippines signs on to the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations. We formally join 59 other countries in expressing grave concern about the use of arbitrary arrest or detention of foreign nationals by states to gain and exercise leverage over their governments, contrary to international law," Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said.
By signing the joint statement, Locsin said Manila lends its voice "to a chorus of nations calling for the release of foreign nationals who are arbitrarily detained by foreign states."
He also urged all nations to refrain from this "reprehensible practice".
"We stand in solidarity with countries whose nationals have been detained by other states seeking leverage over them," he added.
The declaration, launched last Feb. 15, was led by Canada, which has accused China of arbitrarily detaining its nationals Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor.
It aims to protect citizens of all countries who live, work, and travel abroad and calls upon states to take "concrete steps" to prevent and put an end to harsh conditions in detention, denial of access to legal counsel, torture, and other inhuman treatment or punishment. (PNA)
