PHILIPPINES

RIGHT OF REPLY
Agenda Item 4
15 March 2017

Mister Vice President, this right of reply is made in response to the statements delivered by the France, Iceland, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Asian Forum for Human Rights and Democracy.

Mister Vice President, I said this yesterday, and Ill say it again: my country’s relentless campaign against illegal drugs is being waged with firm adherence to the rule of law, due process and to human rights principles. It is also anchored not only on law enforcement but also on rehabilitation of drug dependents and on poverty alleviation programs aimed to uplift the economic situation of the victims, especially the youth.  This campaign has the overwhelming support of the Filipino people.

We reiterate that the Philippines denounces and does not tolerate extrajudicial kilings.  Contrary to the jaundiced perception of the Human Rights Watch and coming from its research with flawed methodology, and on which some delegations unfortunately based their statements, there is neither incitement to kill not shoot to kill order from the Philippine President. The statement of the Philippine President was taken out context to justify a biased conclusion. Let me reiterate: the police were ordered to follow protocols, and defend themselves when alleged illegal drug peddlers violently resist arrest.

Mister Vice President,

We are dismayed with Iceland and with other delegations with their acceptance without question on the statistics cited by some NGOs, which are not based on facts on the ground. In this age of fake news, the Council should be more vigilant about use of credible statistics.A careless approach and disregard on the value of objectivity do not encourage constructive dialogue in the Human Rights Council

We should be more circumspect in the Council.  We should not subscribe to rhetoric and feed on media sensationalism.  This is not healthy.  This recklessness undermines the integrity of the HRC.

Let me reiterate, and I hope the concern delegations are in the room and listening: the number of killingdoes not disaggregate deaths that resulted from legitimate police operations, killings among vigilante elements and drug syndicates, as well a common murders. The characterization of the 7,000 deaths as extrajudicial killings is baseless.  All these killings are thoroughly and impartially investigated. The Philippine authorities are committed to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

          Mister Vice President

          Amnesty International’s call for non-support by the international community on the fight against illegal drugs in the Philippines is to condemn our youth and seriously endanger the development of our country. This is nothing but the height of irresponsibility. It demeans the principles of international cooperation.

Finally Mister Vice President, my delegation calls on concerned delegations to respect and give a change for the domestic processes to bear fruit.

Thank you Mister Vice President.