The Philippine National Police (PNP), through its chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar, have always said that in the PNP, human rights will always be given utmost importance.
That is why he welcomed the recently signed accord between the Philippines and the United Nations on the promotion of human rights.
“I assure that PNP personnel apply a human rights-based approach in our operations as our organization values and respects Constitutionally-guaranteed rights and the rule of law,” PGen. Eleazar said.
“I can guarantee the full cooperation of the PNP, which has always held human rights in high regard. Our Police Operational Procedure and policies are geared towards human rights-based law enforcement,” he added.
Last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) inked a three-year pact with the UN, which aims to protect human rights in the Philippines.
The deal is also a commitment of the Philippines to include a human rights dimension in its law enforcement.
PGen. Eleazar pointed out that part of the PNP’s protection of human rights is its mechanisms for transparency and accountability. Currently, the PNP is closely coordinating with the DOJ in investigating alleged human rights violations committed by police officers in anti-illegal drug operations.
“With its partnership with other agencies, the PNP shows that it is serious in upholding human rights and does not tolerate abuses,” the PNP chief said.