International jurists call on Duterte: Counter unlawful killings
MANILA, Philippines — An organization of eminent judges and lawyers around the world urged President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday to take immediate action on the recent spate of unlawful killings in the country.
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) requested the new president to address unresolved cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in the Philippines.
"We would also call on your Government to ensure that death penalty does not return to the Philippines," the ICJ said in an open letter addressed to the president.
The ICJ also welcomed the news that the Office of the President in the process forming a task force to look into extrajudicial killings of journalists in the country.
The international organization, however, has expressed concern over reports of increasing number of deaths of alleged drug dealers since Duterte took office. The group noted that 136 suspected criminals have been killed between June 30 and July 11.
"We are also concerned by your recent statements that appear to be encouraging extrajudicial killings of those engaged in the sale and distribution of illegal drugs in the Philippines," the ICJ said.
The ICJ reminded Duterte that he pledged his "adherence to due process and rule of law is uncompromising" in his inaugural speech as the 16th president of the Philippines.
READ: Duterte: My adherence to rule of law is uncompromising
The group also urged the president to reconsider his statements expressing support for the reinstatement of the death penalty.
"We understand that administration's thrust is to eliminate criminality in the country, but there is no evidence that the death penalty deters crime at a greater rate than alternative forms of punishment," the letter read.
The ICJ said that it considers imposition of the death penalty to be a "violation of the right to life and the absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."
Meanwhile, Sen. Leila de Lima had filed a Senate resolution which seeks an inquiry into the rising number of extrajudicial killings and summary executions of suspected criminals.
De Lima cited the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states that "every human being has the inherent right to life."
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