EDITORIAL - Stand up for someone’s rights

The country joins the world today in marking 68 years since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. On the eve of Human Rights Day, at least 21 new killings believed related to the war on illegal drugs were reported in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

The brutal war spells grief for thousands of families in what is supposed to be a season of cheer in this democratic country. The killings have become common since Rodrigo Duterte won the presidency on a platform of being tough on crime. He had given ample warning during the campaign that he intended to kill lawbreakers. It’s unclear if the people who gave him a landslide victory dismissed the promise as mere campaign hyperbole or believed him and wanted him to do exactly what he said.

In less than six months, the body count in the drug war is approaching 6,000. The other day the Philippine National Police said over 2,000 of the cases are not related to the war on drugs and are classified as deaths under investigation or DUI. If so, what is the PNP doing about it? How can the state allow such a killing spree, with the murderers going scot-free and likely to kill again with impunity?

The right to life is the most basic of civil liberties and is guaranteed under the Constitution. Witness accounts and even video footage show that this is not the only right that is violated in the continuing carnage; murderers barge into homes and shoot to kill. Cops and masked vigilantes are acting as accusers, prosecutors, judges and executioners, all rolled into one. In a recent case, policemen were accused of robbing a home they had entered while invoking Oplan Tokhang.

This tragedy cannot continue. Filipinos who still believe in the innate goodness of every human being must heed the UN’s message on this special day: “We must reaffirm our common humanity. Wherever we are, we can make a real difference. In the street, in school, at work, in public transport; in the voting booth, on social media.” The theme of Human Rights Day 2016 has special resonance for the Philippines: stand up for someone’s rights today.