The Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday backed the urgent appeal of the United Nations to look into the cases of journalists with legal suits and incidents of media killings.
In a statement, the CHR acknowledged the call of UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom and Expression Irene Khan urging the Philippine government to review those cases.
“As the country’s independent national human rights institution, CHR underscores the importance of swift and impartial processes to secure justice for media workers subjected to alleged fabricated charges and arbitrary detention,” the CHR said.
The UN Special Rapporteur highlighted the prolonged detention of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who was arrested on Feb. 7, 2020 in Tacloban City for alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosives as well as for financing terrorism.
“To date, these allegations remain unproven in court, leaving Cumpio and her co-detainees, Marielle Domequil and Alexander Abingunia, in a state of uncertainty and deprivation of liberty,” CHR said.
Khan, who visited the Philippines earlier this year, brought attention to pressing issues related to freedom of opinion and expression.
During her engagements, she consulted with various stakeholders, including the CHR, relevant government agencies, civil society organizations, and private entities as facilitated by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“Her findings highlight the necessity of addressing practices such as red-tagging to ensure the protection of media workers ad human rights defenders and the upholding of justice and due process,” the CHR said.
“While the Commission recognizes the current administration’s steps to promote freedom of expression and defend the rights of the press, we emphasize our call to duty-bearers to ensure that Cumpio, along with all journalists and human rights defenders in similar circumstances, receive a timely and fair trial. We believe that giving due attention to the case of Cumpio not only helps restore faith in the rule of law but also provides an opportunity to strengthen the Philippines’ commitment to its human rights obligations,” it added.
