Enriquez reported to the UNHRC session that the measures taken by the Arroyo administration to deter extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances have only been “rehashed.”

The measures include the formation of the Melo Commission and Philippine National Police’ (PNP) Task Force Usig (TFU), the specification of 99 special courts that would hear cases of violations of human rights, asking the European Union (EU) for technical assistance in solving extrajudicial crimes, the holding of a Human Rights Summit by the SC, and the coming out of rules on the writ of amparo.

Despite these measures, Hilao-Enriquez said the violations continue. In fact, on Oct.3 , environmental activist Armin Marin was shot dead in Sibuyan Island bringing the number of victims of extrajudicial killings to 61 from Jan to Sept. Meanwhile, 17 have been victims of enforced disappearances since January.

Since the Philippines has been reelected as member of the UNHRC in May 2007, Hilao-Enriquez said the government must be compelled to adhere to all the pledges it committed as member of the said commission.(Bulatlat.com)

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