Makabayan bloc pushes probe into alleged human rights abuses in Marawi

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the Makabayan bloc want the House of Representatives to investigate the alleged human rights violations and status of rehabilitation in the war-ravaged city of Marawi.

The seven party-list lawmakers filed Resolution 1973 Wednesday, directing the Committee on Human Rights and Committee on Muslim Affairs to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into reports of rights violations in Marawi City and the “grave” concerns of residents over the government’s rehabilitation plans.

In filing the resolution, the solons stressed that the Congress “should not allow and condone human rights violations and oppression of the people of Marawi and instead heed the people’s call for justice, peace and right to self-determination.”

“While no amount of investigation, compensation and accountability will bring back lost and shattered lives, properties, culture and dignity, this investigation is important for the people to regain a part of their lives and culture,” the resolution read.  

Rights group Karapatan documented 49 cases of extrajudicial killings, 89 cases of illegal arrest and detention, 9,738 cases of harassment and 22 cases of torture from the declaration of martial law in Mindanao between May 23, 2017 and May 22, 2018.

Last month, Malacañang dared critics of martial law in Mindanao to prove abusive practices of government forces or just shut up.

The lawmakers also said that Marawi residents are “gravely concerned” on the lack of a clear and comprehensive rehabilitation plan for internally displaced persons, and accountability over the government’s failure to stop terrorist groups in the city, among others.

The urban warfare in Marawi, which lasted for five months, resulted in more than 1,100 fatalities, including at least 47 civilians. — Gaea Katreena Cabico