THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday flagged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies, saying the United Nations is constantly calling upon the Philippines to fulfil its human rights mandate.
In a statement, the CHR cited the United Nations’ subcommittee on the prevention of torture to be responsive to its obligations under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
“This Protocol stresses the primary responsibility of the State to continue the guarantee of one’s full respect for their human rights, including those of the persons deprived of liberty,” the statement read.
The CHR also responded to the call of Kapatid, a support organization of families and friends of political prisoners in the Philippines, to investigate the alleged planting of a gun on the wife of a political prisoner Pertinisa Jereula Charita during a jail visit in Negros province.
Charita was arrested on Feb. 13 for alleged possession of a .22 caliber pistol inside her bag during a search procedure by a jail guard.
Accompanied by her children and grandchildren, the woman was visiting her husband, Leon Charita, who was observing his birthday.
The CHR called on the PNP to look into the matter, while its Region VI office is now investigating the current situation of Pertinisa Charita.
The CHR also offered legal assistance to the woman.