These are but few of the many efforts pursued by the CHR to inculcate adherence to IHL in armed conflict
and in prosecuting grave crimes under international law. lt has not been easy, but the CHR has been tirelessly
working on its responsibilities under R.A. 9851, bringing to life the recommendations raised by the summit
participants, sometimes not very efficiently, but always thinking that we always do our best
We have to ensure that policy is operationalized among all uniformed and non-uniformed duty bearers. Particular
to National Human Rights lnstitutions such as the CHR this should be born out of a deeper understanding
of its niche in ihe larger scheme of things. ln terms of seruice provision, it is imperative for CHR to upQrade
competencies in investigation, research and communication; to more actively monitor human rights violations
and IHL cases, and to deepen its commitment to human rights and its accountability to the publig especially
the vulnerable and powerless.
With the Executive Departments Administrative Order No. 35, we are encouraged by the idea that there will
be a good inventory and review of unresolved cases of the past and current administration. An Implementing
Rules and Regulations (lRR)to rationalize the relationships between and among the members of the Executive
Departmenl the Commission on Human Rights and the Ombudsman would be very helpful. We also have to
clari! relationships when it comes to ihe constitutional mandate which belongs to the CHR with respect to the
investigation of new cases of humanitarian rights violations.
Despite the difficulties, the CHR has come together with Armed Forces of the Philippines and their Service
Commands-the Army, Air Force and the Navy, with the Phillppine National Police, with the Bureau of Jail
Managemeni and Penology (BJMP) and with the Naiional police Commission, convening and coming out
with a united declaration and plan of action. We will be breaking down complaints-human rights violations
allegedly committed by the police, filed against the military, the police, as well as the BJMP. We are now verifuing
and validating each and every accusation that has come to the regional offices of the CHR.
Lei the public be assured of our continued efforts and steadfast support for endeavors that will give life
to a National IHL Action Plan. But ihe devil is in the details. We have to scrutiniize all cases and respond
appropriately to uphold accountability and justice. This is our challenge and commitment
Loretta Ann Pargas-Rosales
Chairperson, Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
(Excerpted from the welcome Remarks delivered by the CHR Chair at the
sunmit)