EU Delegation holds Philippine government to its commitments

European Union Delegation welcomes Philippine government’s resolve to investigate “Bloody Sunday”

MANILA – The European Union Delegation to the Philippines said they welcome the announcement from the Philippine government to investigate the killings of nine individuals by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) last Sunday, March 7,2021 in the CALABARZON region.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, the Delegation took note of reports on the use of excessive force against unarmed individuals and alleged irregularities in the law enforcement operations which “have raised concerns.”

They recalled the commitment made by the Philippines during the recent Human Rights Council meeting “to ensure accountability for human rights violations and abuses, in accordance with due process under national courts of law and in full compliance with its international human rights obligations.

In the same statement, the EU Delegation recalls the Sub-Committee on Good Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights under the EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation agreement last February 5,2021, the EU and the Philippines considered strengthening accountability and investigative measures.

“The EU and the Philippines agreed on the need to acknowledge and protect human rights defenders and enable their work in accordance with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders,” the Delegation said.

They also expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. The Delegation said they look forward to the results of the investigations. (Melo M. Acuña)