Group hits P-Noy for siding with Malaysian gov't

MANILA, Philippines - A people's organization on Tuesday said the Philippine government should ensure that the human rights of the followers of the Sultanate of Sulu engaged in a standoff in Sabah  would not be  violated by the Malaysian security forces.

Lawyer Harry Roque of the Concerned Citizens Movement said the Aquino administration should also ensure the safety of those Filipinos holed up in Sabah.

"Here, the duty of the state is to ensure that states treat their nationals abroad in a manner that complies with human standards recognized under the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights, among others documents.

"In connection with the current stand-off in Sabah, this should mean that the primary obligation of the Philippine government is to ensure the safety of the 200 or so followers of the Sultanate of Sulu, as well as to ensure that Malaysia should comply with its duty to protect and promote their human rights which should include the right to life, and the right to due process of law," Roque said.

Roque also scored the Philippine government for mishandling the Sabah situation.

"Instead of taking steps to espouse the human rights of our fellowmen in Sabah, they have openly sided with Malaysian authorities and have all but warned them that their massacre is inevitable. Worse, government appeared to have ordered them to return so that they can be prosecuted criminally in the Philippines for rebellion and other crimes," he added. - Dennis Carcamo