By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Adhering to the biblical adage that “the truth shall set us free,” Manila Sixth District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., a Bible Baptist pastor, has announced that the House Committee on Human Rights which he chairs will launch its investigation in aid of legislation on May 22 into the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) associated with the controversial war on drugs during the administration of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Abante disclosed that the first hearing will include a diverse group of participants, such as relatives of drug war victims, police officers, and Cabinet officials from the Duterte administration.
“Ang tanong siguro ng iba, why are we conducting an inquiry into the deaths of alleged drug addicts or drug dealers? First, we must begin with the principle that each life is valuable and that each life lost is a profound tragedy. Second, we must point out that those who lost their lives, like every Filipino, are protected by the rights granted by the Constitution, one of which is due process,” Abante said.
He added that the investigation aims to “seek the truth” and gather “comprehensive information” on the alleged widespread human rights violations linked to the drug war, with the ultimate goal of developing legislation to strengthen human rights in the country.
“Alleged drug users and dealers po sila, ‘di po sila na-convict because these alleged EJK victims were silenced, they were denied their rights. Now, it is our responsibility to the victims of alleged [EJK] and their families to seek the truth,” Abante explained.
He clarified, however, that it is not the intention of the committee to pass judgment, a point seconded by panel vice-chairman Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong.
“It’s not the intention of the committee to prove whether the drug campaign in the previous administration was bogus or not,” Adiong stressed.
(el Amigo/MNM)
