Upholding Human Rights,

Sustaining Peace

RHRC
Regional Human Rights Commission
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
Cotabato City

Accomplishment Report 2014

Creation
The Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) was created under
Section 16, Article III of Republic Act 90451 which provides:
Sec. 16. Human Rights Commission. There is hereby created a
Regional Human Rights Commission. The Chair and two Commissioners of
the commission shall be appointed by the President upon recommendation
of the Regional Governor. The composition of the commission shall reflect
the ethnic distribution of the population of the autonomous region. The
chair shall be a lawyer and shall be a resident of the autonomous region.
The two commissioners shall, preferably, be lawyers or, at least, holders of
bachelor

degrees from colleges

or universities

recognized

by

the

Department of Education, Culture and Sports of the central government or

national government.
The Regional Human Rights Commission shall perform within the
autonomous region, the functions of the commission on human rights of
the central government or national government. Decisions of the
commission may be appealed to the Court of Appeals on questions of law.
Initially, the Regional Assembly shall fix the salaries, perquisites, and
privileges of the chair and the commissioners of the Commission at a level
not lower than those fixed for the chair and members of the National
Labor Commission. The Commission may provide additional functions to
enhance and protect the human rights of all the people in the autonomous
region. Thereafter, subject to availability of funds, the Regional Assembly
may raise the salaries, perquisites, and privileges of the chair and
commissioners.

On July 7, 2012, the Regional Legislative Assembly of the ARMM

enacted Muslim Mindanao Act 2882 otherwise known as "ARMM Human
Rights Commission Charter of 2012. It also enunciates its policy to to
1

AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND THE ORGANIC ACT FOR THE AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO, AMENDING FOR THE

PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6734, ENTITLED 'AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO', AS AMENDED.
2

AN ACT OPERATIONALIZING SECTION SIXTEEN ARTICLE THREE OF REPUBLIC ACT 9054, ESTABLISHING A CHARTER FOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS

COMMISSION IN THE AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO, PROVIDING GUIDELINES FOR ITS OPERATIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

value the dignity of every human person and guarantee full respect for
human rights. The State and the ARMM shall give the highest priority to
the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all the
people to human dignity.3 It also ensures that RHRC operates based on the
twin principles of independence and regional autonomy, in conformity with
the Paris Principles. RHRC, in accordance with the Paris Principles and other
United Nations Resolutions pertaining to the effective functioning of
national human rights institution, is an independent regional office within
the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) that has the same
powers and mandates as the national Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
In order to strengthen its independent its Charter is explicit that it is
not subject to instruction or orders from the President, Congress, Judiciary,
ARMM Regional Governor or Regional Legislative Assembly. It shall have a
mutual, coordinative, and complimentary relationship with the national CHR
in the performance of its mandates and obligations. It shall coordinate its
programs and policies with the national CHR and the Office of the Regional
Governor of the Autonomous Region. It has full fiscal autonomy within the
ARMM

and

the

approved

annual

appropriations

of

the

Regional

Commission within the General Appropriations Act of the ARMM shall be

automatically and regularly released.
Vision
A peaceful, just and empowered Bangsamoro society that is free from fear
and want, where human rights are promoted, protected, upheld and fulfilled
for the achievement of sustainable development.
Mission
The RHRC is an independent institution imbued with probity and
competence to promote, protect, uphold, and fulfill human rights in the
3

Sec. 2, MMA 288

Bangsamoro by empowering communities for the progressive realization of

their rights, and ensure that those responsible comply with human rights
standards towards transformative justice, peace and development.
Key Results Areas (KRAs)
KRA No. 1 To Institutionalize Human Rights in the Bangsamoro and Other Government
Bodies Operating in the Region
KRA No. 2 To Incorporate Human Rights in Governance and Development in LGUs.
KRA No. 3 To Protect Women, Children and Persons with Special Concerns
KRA No. 4 To Protect Internally Displaced Persons, Migrants and Stateless Person in the
Bangsamoro
KRA No. 5 To Incorporate Human Rights in the Peace Process

Core Functions
I.

HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION

A. Investigative, Monitoring and Ancillary Powers

Monitoring and Investigating

The Aerial Bombing Conducted by Alleged Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP)

On the 2nd Week of January 2014, the Basilan Sulu Tawi-Tawi Sub-Regional Office
(BSTSRO) was monitoring alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) who injured
students of a local Madrasah in Basilan. A Press Statement was issued by RHRC
condemning the act and cautioning the security sector from conducting operations which
put the lives of innocent civilians, especially minors, at risk.
From Sulu, a complaint reached the BSTSRO alleging extortion activities
perpetrated by an alleged state security operative who represented to relatives of accused
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members detained in the Special Intensive Care
Area (SICA)-2 of Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City that the latter will be released upon
payment of certain sums of money. A similar complaint was received from Basilan.

Monitoring and Investigating

Torture Cases in Basilan

In Basilan, three cases of alleged unlawful arrests and two cases of alleged torture
were documented and investigated. In Sulu, aside from cases that have resurfaced after
having been inactive for some time, two new cases of alleged unlawful arrest were
documented and investigated. In Tawi-Tawi, one incident of gender-based violence was
documented.
Monitoring and Investigating
Torture Cases in Maguindanao (The Candado Case)

Acting upon a text (SMS) message, the RHRC Maguindanao Provincial Office
(MagPro Team immediately proceeded to Datu Unsay MPS last July 1, 2014 to verify the
complaint of alleged torture of a detained person. The said person was charged for illegal
possession of firearms and ammunition before the Provincial Prosecution Office. MagPro
was able to secure the records of his case and thereafter assisted and advised his relatives
to follow-up his case at the Provincial Prosecution Office. On July 31, 2014, the
complainant was released for having no probable cause to hold him on trial.
There was an incident in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao, wherein two
residents who are missing were allegedly last seen in the Alpha Company Detachment
Camp of 45th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army on July 3, 2014. The said residents of
Pamadian, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, ages 14 and 42 years old, were supposed to return
to their home from Barangay Satan, Datu Unsay. This Office deployed a team to initially
conduct information gathering with the Legal Management and Assistance Division head
designate.

Monitoring and Investigating

Enforced Disappearance in Maguindanao (Hill 244 Case)

The MagPro Team learned last July 4, 2014 that MOHAMAD ABDULKARIM, 42
years old, and his son MEHAD MOHAMAD, 14 years old have been missing since July 3,
2014. The two are residents of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao. They were last
seen in the national highway in Datu Unsay along the detachment camp of 45th Infantry
Battalion, Alpha Company, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. The Maguindanao
Provincial Team, the relatives of the victims and members of Kawagib and Sujara
Bangsamoro went to the detachment of 45th I.B., Charlie Company, Hill 224, Brgy. Kabinge,
Datu Saudi Ampatuan. Brgy, Kagawad Ernesto Manuel Sangcupan said that there are three

military detachments in the vicinity of their barangay. The 45th IB detachments are located
in Piris Hill, Kinugitan Hill and in Hill 224 which is their headquarters and where the team
had able to engage with Detachments Officer-in-Charge.
The team had difficulties in verifying the information about the possible location of
the victims in the other 45th IB detachments in Brgy. Kabinge and in conducting
appropriate investigation. The inspections in the 45th IB quarters were not discreet in the
absence of Court Order. The road condition going to the site where the victims were
possibly incarcerated as our informers hinted to us were almost beyond reach.

Monitoring and Investigating

GSKP and Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao Field Monitoring

The Maguindanao Provincial Office received information about the death of two
members of the 45th I.B. last October 22, 2014. The incident took place around 8:00 in the
evening in IPHO Maguindanao, LiMagPROngo, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan. The perpetrators
shot the two soldiers and took their service firearms. Sources reveal that no civilian was
hurt in the said incident.
The MagPro team continues to monitor the said case.

Monitoring and Investigating

Enforced Disappearance in Lanao del Sur

The

RHRC

Lanao

Del

Sur

Provincial Office (LDSPO) has received

reports of dead bodies thrown in
dumped areas or in the lake. The
office has verified the existence and
truthfulness of the fact thru its quick
respond team. Thus, a meeting with
PNP Marawi City, PNP Saguiaran and
PNP Provincial Office was held last
December 8, 2014.

RHRC-LDSPO Staff with the PNP Marawi City, PNP

Saguiaran and PNP Provincial Office

It was observed that the responding team lacks the necessary facilities, constraining
their ability to retrieve the cadaver. Furthermore, the lack of a morgue wherein human
remains can be kept while under investigation or while waiting for the claimants is a

challenge being experienced. Consequently, this needs an immediate response, considering

the right of a dead body to be given due respect and proper treatment.

Monitoring
EMs village demolition by Armed Forces of the Philippines
Several homeowners at` EMs Village furnished the MagPro of their letter-query on
the legality of future demolition of their houses located in Bo. EMs Village, Awang, DOS,
Maguindanao by the 6th ID Kampilan Division. On actual ocular inspection, it was found
out that there is no actual demolition made by the Philippine Army. No civilian houses
were demolished. A motion asking the court for issuance of TRO is filed by the
complainant homeowners association. MagPro monitors this case.

Monitoring and Investigation

Ambush in Sitio Lumapid

The Sulu Human Rights Monitoring Center (HRMC) monitored the developments
surrounding the Eid Day ambush in Sitio Lumapid, Barangay Talipao Proper, Talipao, Sulu.
The Center coordinated with local police and ensured that cases are filed against the
perpetrators before the provincial prosecutors office. In addition, the HRMC drafted the
Commissions press statement regarding the incident.

Case Monitoring
Ambush in South Upi

The MagPrO generated a spot report from the South Upi municipal police station
on an ambush case in the area. The reports show that the ambush was carried out by
three unidentified persons. Ambush resulted to the death of the following: Brgy. Chairman
Perfecto Travilla (44 years old), Jayson Mundo (16 years old) and Alex Tumbaga (29 years
old). Analyn Benito (30 years old), daughter-in-law of Travilla was also injured. At least 11
individuals on board a Toyota Land Cruiser were ambushed in Sitio Linangkat, Brgy.
Pandan. The MagPro is still monitoring the case.

B. Legal Assistance and Aid Program

Hostage Incident in Guindulungan, Maguindanao

The

MagPro recorded

and monitored the

hostage

incident in

Barangay

Macasampen, Guindulungan. Local government officials, line-agencies and authorities

succeeded to prevent harm and imprisoned the hostage taker. The suspect withheld a six
year old child and believed to be influenced by illegal usage of dangerous drugs. RHRC
MagPro was able to interview the local police and was able to get extracted police blotter.

Case on Marcos Victims Claims

On April 21, 2014, the MAGPRO gathered information regarding a complaint

against their family relative in regard to the Marcos Victims Claims. The investigator,
Abdillah Alik, on case dialogued with the barangay local chief executive and other family
members to resolve the feud among their family.

Zamboanga Siege Detainees

To

strengthen

RHRCs

partnership with government and

non-government

organizations

(NGOs), a series of meetings was

conducted.

meeting

with

Commissioner and a Legal Officer of

the National Commission on Muslim
Filipinos (NCMF) tackled areas of
cooperation between the RHRC and
the NCMF in the legal representation

Meeting with some officials of the NCMF regarding the

of Zamboanga Siege IDP-detainees,

welfare of

including alleged eleven (11) minor-

Aid Program on January 10, 2014.

Zamboanga Siege Detainees under the Legal

detainees. Further, for the protection of the minor-detainees arrested during the
Zamboanga Siege, the RHRC has worked closely with the Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP).

Monitoring the arrest of Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) 118 th Base Commander Wahid
Tundok

RHRC was informed about the arrest of a certain Wahid Tundok, MILF 118th Base
Commander, on February 23, 2014 at the Matampay Bridge, Cotabato City. The arrest was
conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection
Group (CIDG). Tundok has been under military custody since said date. CIDG-ARMM
P/Superintendent Jovit Culaway said that Tundok has been sought by the authorities for
several arson and other criminal charges. Culaway explained that Tundok was considered a
high-value target and a security risk.
RHRC MAGPRO monitored the case of Tundok in relation to the mandate of the
RHRC to monitor the governments compliance with its international human rights treaty
obligations. The team learned that Tundok attended a meeting in Camp Darapanan on
February 23, 2014 and was flagged down by authorities in Matampay Bridge. Other
pertinent facts were gathered from the investigation and monitoring.

Reports on the Alleged Extortion Committed Against Relatives Of Detainees In Sica-2

In February, the BSTRO received follow-up reports on the alleged extortion

committed against relatives of detainees in SICA-2. The BSTSRO also received reports of
the alleged frustrated murder of an NGO worker; special gender concerns; alleged enforced
disappearance and a case of hazing in a detention facility in Zamboanga City. Cases of
violence against women and displacement of persons as a result of armed violence were
gathered from Basilan; the activities for the development of rural cooperatives, ensuring
the enjoyment of socio-economic rights by marginalized sectors in the area were also
monitored.

Case conference on Miraato Case and Referral of Balindong Case to RHRC LDSPO

LDSPO participated in a case conference

on Abegail Miraatos case as well as in
the formal referral/turn-over by Mr.
Nassif Numiery Padate, Legal Officer of
LGU Picong of the case of Alizaman
Balindong, et al.

Case conference on Miraato Case and Referral of Balindong

Case to RHRC LDSPO

Alleged HR Violation: Illegal Discharge of Firearms and Physical Injury

On March 06, 2014, this Office facilitated the mediation of two parties involving a
police officer based in Police Regional Office (PRO ARMM) and a civilian of Barangay
Poblacion I, Parang, Maguindanao. On March 14, 2014, the complainant and his witness
were not around for the second attempt at mediation, so was the respondent. The Chair
ordered a second call and waited for sufficient time for the parties to arrive. At around
10:45 AM, the mediation team declared adjournment.
Alarming Influx of Reports of Kidnappings and Other Criminal Activities in the
Province of Sulu
The month of March started with an alarming influx of reports of kidnappings and
other criminal activities in the Province of Sulu, including the kidnapping of a minor while
the latter was on his way to school.

The BST SRO has monitored at least six (6) such

incidents in Sulu for the month alone. The SRO also investigated and monitored a case of
massacre in Siasi, Sulu arising from a long-standing land dispute involving state actors and
local government officials.
In response to the above-described situation, the RHRC issued a Press Statement
condemning the subject acts and called on all stakeholders and responsible officers to act
in their respective capacities to uphold the rights of Sulu constituents to security and
freedom of movement.

Filing of Criminal case at the Provincial Prosecutors Office

RHRC LDSPO assisted in the filing of

a criminal case at the Provincial
Prosecutors Office, by complainant
Abdullah Nandi Cabugatan, whose
minor

daughter,

Olambae

Cabugatan was abducted and held

for a couple of weeks by her
alleged captor Mamaroba Gaosil.

10

BSTRO Monitoring Activities

The BST SRO special investigators inquired into the previously documented HRVs: a
meeting with the relatives of MNLF members was conducted in Jolo, Sulu to inquire about
the alleged extortion. Moreover, the detainees families were provided with updates on the
present stage of the judicial process. In Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, the office monitored a
kidnapping incident in Sumisip town and a TIP incident in Bongao, respectively.

Consultation in Assisting Human Rights Victims Claims Board

RHRC was invited for a consultative meeting with the Human Rights Victims Claims
Board. This meeting aimed to level off the understanding of the stakeholders regarding the
process of verifying the victims claims during the Martial Law and the mandates and
functions of the Claims Boards.

Release of a Minor

The LDSPO facilitated the release of a minor who was accused of theft and was
subjected to physical injury by the community. The LDSPO team also assisted the
complainant in preparing the required document in filing criminal case against the
attackers of the minor. This incident happened in barangay Salam, Marawi City.

Legal Aid Program for 22 individuals detained at the Special Intensive Care Area 2 in
Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City

Following the courts pronouncement ordering the reinvestigation of all individual

cases against suspected MNLF members for their alleged participation in the September
2013 armed conflict in Zamboanga, a deadline for the defences submission of counteraffidavits was set on August 22, 2014.
The RHRC Legal Aid Team, headed by Atty. Edy Lynn S. Santiago, saw it fit to fasttrack Legal Aid activities in order to consolidate the documents available and complete the
counter-affidavits of each client along with supporting affidavit of witnesses. The
investigations and monitoring lead to the release of 8 out of 22 detainees.

11

Enforced Disappearance of three (3) captured Moro National Liberation Front

combatants during the September 2014 armed conflict in Zamboanga City

On August 4, 2014, a Sulu HRMC Investigator travelled to Taguig City to interview

the three witnesses the Enforced Disappearance case. All three witnesses are detained at
the Special Intensive Care Area 2 at Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.

Draft affidavits of the three witnesses were prepared and submitted for the
Commissions recommendations.

The RHRC BST SRO, in partnership with the Balay Rehabilitation Center, conducted
a two-day Psycho-Legal, Psycho-Social and Debriefing Activity for the immediate family
and close relatives of the twenty-two (22) Legal Aid Clients represented by the RHRC in a
Pasig City Court hearing their cases.
Atty. Santiago, who heads the legal team defending the clients in Court, provided
an overview of the judicial process involving the detainees. The team from Balay
Rehabilitation Center headed by Social Worker Ms. Imelda T. Rebate, who is the courtappointed Guardian Ad Litem for the minor detainees, engaged the attendees in a series of
psycho-social and debriefing sessions.
The Sulu HRMC maintains close contact with the next of kin of the Legal Aid
Clients which has been instrumental in the ease of access to supporting affidavits and
other documents in support of their defense in court.

Representing IDPs before the Court

Under the RHRC Legal Aid Program, profiles of clients were gathered and are to be
completed. Nine months after the September 2013 Zamboanga Siege, the detainees cases
will finally be heard in Court. BSTSRO Head Atty. Edy Lynn Santiago and the RHRC Legal
Aid Team attended case conferences before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court, Branch
158. Representatives from the prosecution team, Public Attorneys Office and SICA-2 Jail
Officers were also present. RHRC filed its Entry of Appearance for the twenty (22) clients,
which included seven (7) minors. RHRC filed a Manifestation before the court submitting
the list of names of clients whose cases are to be the subject for reinvestigation.
In addition, RHRC continues its partnership with the NP and partner agencies in the
protection and monitoring of the welfare of the minor-detainees.

12

Investigating HRVs

In Basilan, three cases of alleged unlawful arrests and two cases of alleged torture
were documented and investigated. In Sulu, aside from cases that have resurfaced after
having been inactive for some time, two new cases of alleged unlawful arrest were
documented and investigated. In Tawi-Tawi, one incident of gender-based violence was
documented.

Human Rights Victims Claims Board (HRVCB) in-take

After the HRV Claims intake conducted by the HRVCB last July 7-9, 2014 at the
RHRC Regional Office, bulks of HRV Claimants came to office for legal assistance. The
RHRC rendered legal advice, orientation and preparation of legal documents. Referral to
PAO and Notaries Public in Cotabato City were also rendered by the MagPro Team. HRV
Claimants continue to visit the Office for legal assistance. Walk-in clients were also given
legal assistance.

Human Rights Victims Claims Board Intake

A total of 2,100 applicants were catered to during the intake conducted at the
DAF-ARMM. The said activity was spearheaded by the same HRVCB team that was assisted
by RHRC staff and volunteers. Also, a number of applicants from Island Provinces (Basilan,
Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi) were also catered through the Human Rights Monitoring Centers.

Release of Julius Aliman

Julius Aliman is a resident of Brgy. Looy, South Upi and was charged of Serious
Illegal Detention. This Office facilitated the speedy release of Aliman after gathering
relevant information that the plaintiff would execute an affidavit of desistance. The MagPro
conducted a series of consultations, meetings and initial information gathering with the
plaintiffs neighbors, barangay local government officials and chieftains.

13

C. Jail Visitorial and Inspection Powers

A Visit in Basilan Provincial Jail in Isabela City, Basilan

On January 17, 2014, the

RHRC

BSTSRO,

Algamar

with

Latiph

Commissioner

Chairperson
and

Galuasch

then
Ballaho,

visited the Basilan Provincial Jail in

Isabela City, Basilan.
RHRC BaSulTa Team, with
Chairperson
Commissioner

Algamar

Latiph

Galuasch

and

Ballaho,

visited the Basilan Provincial Jail in

Chairperson Atty. Algamar Latiph and Comm. Galuash

Ballaho meeting with the Provincial Warden of Basilan

Isabela City, Basilan on January 17,

2014.
Jail Visit to Maguindanao Provincial Jail and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency

RHRC MAGPRO visited the detention center of the Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency (PDEA-ARMM) on February 24, and the Maguindanao Provincial Jail on February 25
in relation to the visitorial functions of the RHRC.
The MAGPRO found out that the Maguindanao Provincial Jail did not meet the
minimum standards set forth by laws and international treaty obligations. The detention
cells were observed and described as unlikely to rehabilitate and reform the inmates, which
is the aim of the Philippine penitentiary system. Meanwhile, the PDEA detention center
does not have a medical officer and lacks the facilities needed to address the medical
needs of the detainees.

Inmates in the Maguindanao Provincial Jail Qualified for Parole

The team learned that there are inmates in the Maguindanao Provincial Jail who
are qualified for parole. Such inmates have been imprisoned for more than 10 years.
Department of Health-ARMM conducted a medical consultation headed by Dr.Pancho A.
Cruz and Dr. Ariadne G. Silongan with their staff such as Dyesebel Melicano, Aladdin
Dayaan and Shajid Lidasan. This Office requested the consultation for the inmates after the
visit last February 2014.

14

The team has not received the list of the detainees with the corresponding details
and status of each case. The said document was requested by this Office dated March 11,
2014.

LDSPO Visit to Provincial Jail

On April 14, 2014, the LDSPO

conducted a field visit to the Provincial Jail,
a regular monthly activity of the LDSPO in
compliance with the mandate of the RHRC
to take a look and assure that the welfare
of the detainees are being given attention
and that their basic human tights are
respected and not violated April 14, 2014.

BaSulTa Sub Regional Office Visited the Detainees at SICA-2

BaSulTa Sub Regional Office Staff visited the detainees at SICA-2 to check on the
detainees welfare and to interview the women and minors among them.

Bongao Municipal Jail in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

In the morning of 20th of August, 2014, Supervising Special Investigator Al-Ghosaibi

Jupli and Special Investigator Raynan Francis Cabato made an on the spot jail
visit/inspection to the Bongao Municipal Jail in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Upon arrival, it was
observed that the jail guards were courteous and were accommodating. There were interns
from the Mahardika Institute of Technology present, rendering required duty hours as part
of their curriculum. Upon entering the detention cells, it was observed that there was only
one detainee, same with the previous month. All the cells, including the detainees, was
very clean and did not smell. Thereafter, the RHRC HRMC Special Investigators logged in
as required.
In the afternoon of 20th of August, 2014, Supervising Special Investigator AlGhosaibi Jupli and Special Investigator Raynan Francis Cabato made an on the spot jail
visit/inspection to the Provincial Jail in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Upon arrival, the RHRC HRMC
Special Investigators were immediately admitted to the premises and conducted to the

15

detention cells. The detainees in the cells upon inquiry were a mix of both accused and
convicted. There existed a smell peculiar to poorly ventilated places. The detainees were all
very courteous and answered questions freely and expressed their opinions well, however,
none had any complaints regarding the facilities.

Sulu Provincial Jail

Sulu

HRMC

Special

Investigators

conducted jail visitation and monitoring at

the Jolo Municipal Jail on July 24, 2014 and
at the Sulu Provincial Jail on July 25, 2014.
The jail visits are aimed at monitoring the
condition of the detention facilities as well
as note the issues and concerns of its
inmates.

In the morning of July 15, 2014, the

RHRC HRMC Staff visited the Bongao

Special Investigators in HRMC Sulu monitoring the

condition of the detention facilities

Municipal Jail. This is in accordance with its mandate to visit jails in the province every
month.
During the visit, the RHRC HRMC Staff requested from the Jail Administrators to
furnish the office with the list of all detainees together with their personal circumstances,
their cases and its status.
In the afternoon of July 15, 2014, the RHRC HRMC Staff visited the Tawi-Tawi
Provincial Jail as part of its monthly jail visits. The RHRC HRMC Staff requested from the
Provincial Jail Warden list of the detainees in said jail. Because of the visit, the team learnt
that the number of detainees in Tawi-Tawi Provincial Jail is 40. Also, the team was informed
that there are detainees whose cases are still pending in courts and there are inmates who
are serving their sentence.

Jail Visit in Maguindanao Provincial Jail

This Office gathered information regarding the death of two (2) detainees in the
subject Jail on July 18, 2014 aired over ABS-CBN on their T.V. Patrol afternoon
broadcasting. Provincial Jail of Maguindanao, located at PC Hill, Cotabato City is under the
direct supervision of Maguindanao Provincial Government. The subject jail has the capacity

16

to accommodate an about 100 persons. As of July 2014, they have a total of 137 inmates
based on the data presented to us by their Warden. That in April of this year, RHRC
Maguindanao Office send a letter request asking the Jail Warden to furnish this office on
the updated record, lists and/or inventory of its detainees as mandated under R.A. No.
10353 better known as Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012 and as part
of the Commissions duties and function pursuant to Section 11 of the Muslim Mindanao
Autonomy Act No. 288. The aforementioned request was not yet answered by the Official
of the said Jail up to this time, henceforth; a necessity to talk to the Warden is among the
matters considered in this jail visit.
The team learned that the two inmates suffered skin disease. PGI Akmad
Abdulradzak, a Jail Guard of the subject prison told the team that the two prisoners were
brought to the RHMC, Cotabato City sometimes in the month of June, 2014 on separate
occasions for immediate treatment even without the order from concern Court for
humanitarian consideration. He said that several other inmates in his jail have suffered the
same kind of diseases also. Jail Officials opened to the team their difficulties in terms of
personnel and financial matters. Provisions of foods as well as medicines for their inmates
are more than not enough which contributes to the inhumane situation of the prisoners.
He was requesting our Office to give them a prepared form something like template, in
order for them to just filled it up all the data we need so much so that, it is available with
them.

Jail Visit to Maguindanao Provincial Jail

The MAGPRO team conducted a jail visit to the Maguindanao Provincial Jail which
has its new Jail Warden. One of the findings during the visit was the on-going renovation
of the kitchen. The lock-up cell of the women inmates was also transferred upstairs for
their comfort and convenience.

Jail Visit in Maguindanao Provincial Jail and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency

Pursuant to Sec. 11 of the Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 288, this Office
conducts its regular jail visit and detention centers within the autonomous region. Special
Investigators Raiza Abas and Archad Ayao visits Maguindanao Provincial Jail and Philippine
Drug Enforcement Agency-ARMM both in Barangay Rosary Heights I, Cotabato City.

17

Maguindanao Provincial Jail has 150 inmates (140 male; 10 female) and the
International Crescent of Red Cross donated four restrooms, four bathrooms and one
lavatory.
Warden Bukid Baman said that the monthly budget allocated for MPJ amounting
to Php 180,000.00 pesos cannot suffice the needs of the 150 inmates.
This Office has sent request to MPJ of the list of inmates prior the jail visit on
September 16, 2014 but the latter has not yet furnished any kind of list. The investigators
remind the administration of MPJ that it must comply with the provisions of Republic Act
9745 or otherwise known as Anti-Torture Act that each detention facility, prison, jails are
required to submit their updated list of inmates bimonthly to the Commission on Human
Rights, human rights institutions and other human rights agencies.
Meanwhile, the PDEA-ARMM repaired the defective restroom for female inmates
on September 17, 2014. There eight male inmates and three female inmates in PDEAARMM detention cell.
The rooms for both male and female inmates are not conducive for sleeping and
they dont have enough time for recreational activities.
A 17 year old inmate is teMagPROrarily sheltered in PDEA-ARMM Detention Center
with the waiver of the parents as of September 2014. The investigators were informed that
Department of Social Welfare and Development Maguindanao Provincial Office through
Social Welfare Officer Hja. Barbie Guiabel conducted its case study regarding the said case.
More findings and recommendations have been identified by the RHRC MAGPRO.
Jail Visit in Parang Municipal Jail, Maguindanao Provincial Jail and PDEA-ARMM Detention
Cell

Parang Municipal Jail: The team was surprised that the Municipal jail is complete
with all its facilities. The file cases of the inmates were organized and readily open to any
visitor. There are recreational facilities found in the coMagPROund. There is an infirmary
that is available in case of emergency. The only set back is that the medical kit along with
its medicines is already depleted.

PDEA-ARMM Detention Cell: Some changes were made from previous visit such as:
the provision of comfort room for female; the separation of male and female quarters
during the night; and the availability of a nurse who will attend to the medical needs of
the detainees. The team has interviewed at least five (5) detainees. A total of 5 detainees

18

are under the custody of PDEA-ARMM, 1 female and 4 male. The team has secured the
data on the names of the prisoners, status of their cases and persons who were admitted
to Davao and Cagayan de Oro rehabilitation centers.

Maguindanao Provincial Jail: The warden was not around during the visit and the
jail officer did not admit the team.
B. HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTION
I.

Education and Advocacy

Focus Group Discussion with Non-state Actors

The MAGPRO had a focus group

discussion (FGD) with fifteen members of
the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
assigned

in

Barangay

Libutan,

Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January

08,

2014.

After

the

discussion,

the

MAGPRO was able to gather information

on the human rights issues which concern
the MILF members in this area.

RHRC BaSulTa Team, with Chairperson Algamar Latiph,

conducts a consultation with members of various CSOs
at Lamitan City, Basilan on January 17, 2014.

In Lamitan City, Basilan, a consultation-meeting with Civil Society Organizations

(CSOs) was conducted to discuss human rights issues and concerns in the province.
Donate a Hijab: An RHRC Initiative Project

In celebration of the World Hijab

Day last February 01, 2014, the
RHRC

launched

February

18,

Donate

project

on

2014

tagged

as

Hijab:

An

RHRC

Initiative project. A Hijab Drive

was conducted and the collected
pieces of hijab were distributed to
underprivileged
Some of the recipients of Donate A Hijab

region,

women

in

the

such as orphan girls and

widows.

19

As of June 2014 more or less three (3) barangays in ARMM became recipients of
this project.

Lakbay RHRC goes to Mindanao State University Maguindanao Integrated

Laboratory Science High School

Last February 17, 2014, the MAGPRO conducted an advocacy campaign among 114
graduating high school students in Mindanao State University-Maguindanao Integrated
Laboratory Science High School. Topics cover basic human rights, child rights and the
Commissions projects, programs and mandates. Information, Education and Campaign
materials were distributed among the students and the poster was placed inside the faculty
room as part of the advocacy campaign of the Commission.

Young Bangsamoro Women Leaders Conference

The first-ever Young Bangsamoro Women

Leaders Conference kicked off last March
07,

2014

with

thirty

five

participants

gracing the activity held at Sardonyx Plaza,

Cotabato. It aims to provide a venue to
discuss womens issues; and to share
knowledge

on

womens

rights.

The

following Bangsamoro Women Student

Leaders from different tertiary schools who
attended the said conference. These schools
are Gani L. Abpi College, Inc.; Southern
Philippine

Academy

College,

Inc.;

Active participants writing their thoughts on

womens human rights

Upi

Agricultural School Prov. Tech. Inst. of Agriculture; Notre Dame University; and Iliana Bay
Integrated Computer College.
The resource persons of the Bangsamoro
Women Leaders Conference 2014 were
three RHRC staff and Executive Director of
Mindanao
Center.

Tri-People

Atty.

Bai

Women
Sittie

Resource

Saida

Bailan

enlightened the students with the Basic

Human Rights; Atty. Adjuria Kansi discussed

20
Special Investigator Raiza Abas synthesizing the
output of the participants

Laws on Womens Rights; Ms.Josing Demit-Manandil talked about

Women

and

Conflict;

and

Special

Investigator

Raiza

Abas

educated the attendees on Role of Women in Strengthening

Human Rights in ARMM.
Lakbay RHRC goes to Looy Integrated Vocational High School (LIVHS) and Kabuntalan
National High School (KNHS)

On March 3 and 13, 2014, the

RHRC MAGPRO catered 150 third year
high school students from LIVHS and
100 students from KNHS for the Lakbay
RHRC:

Human

Rights

Advocacy

campaign. Students were informed and

educated regarding the concepts of
human rights and their rights as part of
the youth sector. Information, Education
and Campaign materials were distributed
among the students and a poster was placed

RHRC Head of Legal Division Atty. Bai Sittie

Saida Bailan

inside the faculty room as part of the advocacy

campaign of the Commission.

Lecture on Human Rights over TinigngKabataan of Youth Advocates for Peace and
Development Network (YAPDN)

The different resource speakers

from this Office discussed the following
topics last February 06, 2014: basic human
rights, child rights, updates on the recent
skirmishes in the province of Maguindanao
last January 27, 2014, Commissions latest
accomplishments and projects. Listeners
were informed about the Commissions
functions, mandates and powers.

RHRC Regional Office Staffs together with the

head of RHRC Maguindanao Provincial Office,
Atty Abdulnasser Badrudin gives updates on the
skirmishes in Maguindanao last January 27, 2014

21

RHRC Joined Alpha Phi Omega Segment Aired over Ranao TV 13

LDSPO

joined

television

and

radio

guesting with the Alpha Phi Omega (APO),

discussing among others the concept of
human rights from the Islamic perspective,
updates on the RHRCs accomplishments in
2013 and the upcoming activities in 2014.

LDSPO Special Investigator Azrifa Mamutuk

updates the listeners on RHRCs 2013
accomplishments

Child Protection Working Protection Monthly Meeting and Child Protection Rapid
Assessment

On February 13 and 14, 2014, the RHRC attended a CPWG Mindanao Cluster
meeting. Being a member of said cluster, the RHRC regularly attends its monthly meetings,
wherein issues regarding the protection of children are discussed

Engaging MILF on human rights

LDSPO conducted a field visit and

dialogue with high ranking MILF Official,
Commander

Bravo

of

BIAF

Northern

Mindanao Command at Camp Pokhtar,

Wato, Balindong, Lanao del Sur, discussing
among others the roles of the RHRC in the
community.

Chairperson Atty. Algamar Latiph discusses the role of

RHRC to MILF commander Bravo

22

Lecture Orientation to the 200 MILF Women Soldiers (MUJAHIDAT)

The
Lecture

LDSPO

Orientation

conducted
for

200

MILF

Women Soldiers (MUJAHIDAT)at Camp

Pokhtar,

BIAF

MILF

Northern

Command, Wato-Balindong, Lanao del

Sur on March 20, 2014.The orientation
focused on Basic Human Rights, IHL
and UDHR with Highlights on VAWC,
Gender & Development (GAD) issues,
and other related laws concerning
womens rights.
Participants are attentively listening to
Commissioner Alikhan Abuat

As part of RHRCs mandate to educate the community about the issues in human
rights, the Head of the BaSulTa Sub Regional Office (SRO) provided an orientation and
lecture on human rights issues in Mindanao at the Western Mindanao State University
College of Laws Centro Advocacia Legal (CADLE) Legal Aid and Human Rights Center.
In addition, the BSTSRO accepted Interns under its partnership with Ateneo De Zamboanga
Universitys Summer of Service (SOS) Program.

Participation in Socio-Economic Activities:

Public hearing on the alleged mismanagement of the Lano del Sur Electric
Cooperative under the stewardship of Sultan Ashary Maongco. The consultation was
spareheaded by the Committee on Energy of the Congress of the Philippines and was
presided by Hon. Congressman Reynaldo M. Sumali and five (5) more committee members
were present. The consultation was held at New Capitol Gymnasium, Marawi City on March
07, 2014;
48th Celebration of Fire Prevention month, a simultaneous nationwide activity with
a theme Isulong ang Kaunlaran, Sunog ay Iwasan, Kaalaman at pag-iingatangkailangan;
Womens Month Celebration, a month long series of activities conducted by the
Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women in coordination with the different women
sector and the provincial government; and

23

BTC Public Consultations on Power Sharing and other concerns relative to the
drafting of Bangsamoro Basic Law held at Baloi, Lanao del Sur.

Lecture on Republic Act 10353, Republic Act 9745 and Extra-Judicial Killing

Atty. Abdulnasser Badrudin, together with Special Investigator Abdillah Alik of

MAGPRO shared their inputs regarding Anti-Torture Law, Enforced Disappearance and
Extra-Judicial Killing to the soldiers of the 6 th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. Soldiers
were oriented about the Commissions mandates and functions, dos and donts of any
government officials in torture and the elements of enforced disappearance.

Lecture on Children in Armed Conflict

Special Investigator Raiza Abas of Maguindanao Provincial Office delivered her

inputs regarding the situation of children in armed conflict in the autonomous region to
the humanitarian workers based in Maguindanao and Cotabato City. She emphasized the
role of the institution in upholding human rights knowledge and highlighted the
collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in eliminating human rights abuses during local war
incidences.

Training on Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team

The Local Government of Upi Municipality, in coordination with the Department of

Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police- Upi, Municipal Disaster Risk
Reduction Management invited the MAGPRO to conduct a two-hour lecture about

24

International Humanitarian Law and Bill of Rights (Article 3, Sections 1-22 of the 1987
Philippine Constitution) to 230 members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action teams of
the said municipality.
Commissioner Alikhan O. Abuat explained the Article III of the Philippine
constitution also known as Bill of Rights while Atty. Bai Sittie Saida C. Bailan, CPA
discussed the International Humanitarian Law.

HR Advocacy in Mamasapano, Maguindanao

Magungaya Mindanao Inc., a local non-government organization based in

Cotabato City, invited the MAGPRO to conduct human rights advocacy to barangay local
chief executives in the municipality of Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The RHRC introduced
its mandate and jurisdiction to the participants. A background and history of the
organization was briefly discussed. The rights of women under the national law were also
discussed to the participants in relevance with the objectives of the training. Cases of
domestic violence that are rampant in Mindanao became a contentious issue.
The participants were also given a background of human trafficking cases in
Mindanao. A concise background of the principles on internal displacement was also
elaborated.

Hijab Distribution in Shariff Aguak and Buluan

As a continuation of the World Hijab Day celebration, hijabs were distributed to

120 orphans from Shariff Aguak and Buluan municipalities.

Lecture on Human Rights, Media and its Impact on the Community

21 anchor men of Suara were educated on basic human rights and human rights
reporting in broadcast media. It was also emphasized that anchormen should adhere to
the Code of Ethics of Professional Media Practitioners and guidelines of Kapisanan ng mga
Broadkaster ng Pilipinas in doing their duties and functions.

25

Lakbay RHRC goes to Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy

111 students and 6 faculty members (70 female students; 41 male students; 2
female teachers; 4 male teachers)of SKIA were taught basic human rights and rights of a
child. RHRC had distributed information, education and campaign materials such as key
chains, posters and brochures. SKIA Founder and former congressman Atty. Michael
Mastura shared his idea on human rights in Islam during the open forum. The lecture was
effective that Atty. Mastura invited the MagPro team to conduct its advocacy training to
the college students.

Coordination meeting with CSSH

The
coordination

RHRC-LDSPO
meeting

with

conducted
the

faculty

members of the College of Social Science

and Humanities (CSSH) of the Mindanao
State University, Main Campus, Marawi City
on July 11, 2014 for the creation of Center
for Human Rights Education (CHRE).

LDSPO Special Investigator Aminoden Macaradi with

the faculty members of CSSH of MSU Marawi City

Community-Based Dialogue in Datu Blah Sinsuat

The MagPro Team was able to inform the participants of the rights of women and
children, with particular emphasis on the rights under Republic Act (RA) No. 9054,
otherwise known as An Act Providing for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,
and Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 288, RHRC Charter Act of 2012, also known as
An Act Operationalizing Section Sixteen Article Three of Republic Act 9054, Establishing a
Charter for the Human Rights Commission in the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao, Providing Guidelines for its Operations, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for
Other Purposes. Also, the MagPro team informed the participants on the powers and
functions of the RHRC for them to be educated about the legal aid and investigative
services that the latter may provide, including preventive measures in the protection of
human rights of all persons within the Autonomous Region.
Various human rights issues and concerns in the municipality were identified and
addressed in a discussion led by Atty. Abdulnasser Badrudin, Head of the Maguindanao

26

Provincial Office. Some of the participants raised some matters that they were experiencing
in their community which were duly noted by the Commission for appropriate action.
For the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (UNGPID),Ms.
Edna Pandi, Field Monitor for the UNHCR, gave a brief presentation. Being an area of
conflict, residents of the municipality are prone to displacement and are more likely to face
risks to their physical safety and to lose access to protection and basic rights like food,
water, shelter, work, education.
As such, people in the community are obliged to be informed of the protection
and humanitarian assistance available to them. This includes the Internally Displaced
Peoples (IDPs) rights which include basic like clothing, food, water, shelter, essential
medical care, and their right to physical security and physical integrity e.g. killing, torture,
abduction, forced recruitment, and sexual violence.
After the respite, Human Rights in Islam were discussed by Ustadz Guiapar Kantar.
Most of the participants are Muslims and there is a need for them to be informed of their
human rights in the Islamic perspective. The distinguishing feature of human rights in
Islam is that they are the natural outcome of a broader practice of faith, deeds, and social
behavior that Muslims believed are divinely mandated.
A plenary discussion and workshop was then facilitated by Mr. Nurwahid Lakim in
order to assess the human rights situation and identify issues and human right cases in the
community. The common answers of the group are social and economic rights such as the
lack of roads to their places, the lack of schools, and the lack of electricity (Pailaw) and
water supply. Some responded about the problems that they have about family and
violence against women. They asked about if they can interfere with marital dispute that
involves violence. The rights of indigenous people were also asked.
The workshop was reinforced by Atty. Abdulnasser Badrudin by answering the
questions and giving more information on human rights specifically on violence against
women and children, indigenous people rights and basic human rights. The team also
plans to write letters to different agencies of the government to resolve the issues on
social and economic rights.

BIAF Training

The RHRC- Maguindanao Provincial Office introduced the mandate of the

commission over the different ARMM provinces. The first and second days tackled basic

27

human rights, international humanitarian law, HR in Islam, IHL in Islam, women and child
rights. The activity served as an avenue in assessing the perception and level of awareness
of the BIAF combatants regarding human rights. The participants are BIAF commanders or
deputy commanders from the different base commands.
On the third day, the MagPro Team chose a particular BIAF camp or detachment in
Maguindanao to host the third day of the activity. However, the BIAF commanders or
deputies from the first and second day spearheaded the training. The MagPro staff
observed as the BIAF commanders relay to their ground troops what they learned from the
first and second day of the training.

Lakbay RHRC in MSU Maguindanao College of Public Affairs and Governance

The team conducted an advocacy activity before 149 students from the College of
Public Affairs and Governance including two (2) faculty members. This Office is advised to
conduct relevant human rights principles such as violations against women and their
children, anti-human trafficking and UNGPID to the same college and other colleges in
other universities and institutions.
MSU-Maguindanao College of Public Affairs and Governance Dean Hja. Salimbai
Dimalen expressed its gratitude towards this Office citing that it is the first office which
conducts an information drive centered on community eMagPROwerment and human
rights.

Community Based Dialogue

As part of the Commissions thrust towards a deeper and more meaningful

engagement with communities, Community-Based Dialogues were conducted in two
separate locations in the province of Sulu. Barangay officials from the nineteen
municipalities of the province were invited to a dialogue to put into fore the human rights
issues and concerns of their respective localities and to bring those concerns to the proper
authorities.
For convenience, the nineteen municipalities were grouped into four clusters and
were met in the following dates: 1.) Jolo, Indanan, Patikul, Banguingui, and Hji.
PanglimaTahil August 21, 2014; 2.)Maimbung, Parang and Talipao August 22,
20143.)Siasi, Pandami, Lugus, Tapul and Pata August 4.) Luuk, Omar, Panamao, Kalingalan

28

Caluang and Panglima Estino. The dialogue for the first cluster was held at the Sumadja
Hall, Provincial Capitol Complex, Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu. The dialogues for the second, third
and fourth clusters were held at the Matatal Multi-Purpose Covered-Court, Matatal,
Maimbung, Sulu.

Human Rights Case Management Workshop

The MAGPRO participated in the three-day training on Human Rights Case

Management Workshop at the Park Inn Hotel, Davao City. Atty. Abdulnasser Badrudin
presented the current practices of the office on investigating cases and conducting legal
assistance to clients. During the said workshop, the different provincial offices agreed on
the use of standard processes in documenting, investigating and docketing human rights
violations cases and also the use of standardized forms.

Kapehan sa Ranao

The Lanao del Sur Provincial Office launched the

KAPEHAN SA RANAO. The kapehan was able to
exract through workshop session some HR issues in
Lanao del Sur and Marawi City which are suitable
agenda for the upcoming HR summit to be
conducted on October 23, 2014. Through Kapehan
sa Ranao, an idea of setting up Bahay Pag-Asa in
Lanao del Norte sprouted.
On-the-Spot Poster and Slogan Making Contest

To intensify human rights promotion and

to raise human rights awareness among the youth
RHRC conducted an On-the-Spot Poster and Slogan
Making Contest for High School Students in ARMM.
The contest encouraged high school students in
ARMM to showcase their artistic skills through this
contest. The emphasis was on human rights protection
and promotion, of course.
Participants expressing their thoughts
on Human Rights through art.

29

Human Rights Week

As the sole regional human rights

state agency in the ARMM, RHRC honors the
celebration of International Human Rights
Day.

To

International

spread
Human

the

observance

Rights

Day,

of

RHRC

conducted a week-long celebration which

started on December 8 by hosting the
Monday assembly, followed by organizing a
play in collaboration with the U.P. Repertory
on December 9 and held a program in
collaboration with the Maharlika Sports Club,

Handing of the Balls ceremony with Mr. Tee of

Maharlika Sports Club and the Principals of the
Recipient Schools

the: Isang Bata, Isang Bola; and a Zumba Concert on December 10 - the proceeds of the
concert will give benefit to the IDPs who are still in Zamboanga City. There was also a
blood-letting activity in the morning of December 10. December 12 was the flag retreat
which ended the Human Rights Week Celebration by awarding prizes to the winners of the
contests conducted during the celebration.

RHRC Staffs promoting Human Rights

Zumba Concert Participants dances for

Human Rights

30

B. Statistics, Database information systems development

Municipality Human Rights Profile (MHRP)

The MHRP is a tool developed to

provide a snapshot situation of Human Rights
situation in Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao.

The

RHRC

personnel

visit

municipalities in ARMM to introduce MHRP and

gather data. As of June 2014, the RHRC has
visited a total of one hundred two (102)
municipalities including one (1) city.

RHRC LDSPO, LGU officials and employees of the

devolved line agencies.

The MHRP project is made possible with the support of United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Australian Aid (AusAid), and United Nations
Development Program (UNDP).
Lanaodel Sur Provincial Office conducted HR Advocacy in Malabang and Tubaran
simultaneous with the data gathering for the Municipality Human Rights Profiling (MHRP).
These activities were attended by the representative/s of the different sectors of the
community, LGU officials and employees of the devolved line agencies.

C. Human Resource Development

Training on DataShare
The investigators and lawyers of the RHRC attended training on Data Share,
facilitated by an information and technology consultant hired by the European Union (EU).
During the said training, the use of the Data Share system and Google Drive were taught
to the participants. It is hoped that through this training, field work will be made easier,
through the use of tablets and the proper systems.

31

Participation in the NCMFs Paralegal Training Activity

The RHRC SRO participated in the

NCMFs paralegal training activity held in Pasig
City.

For the protection of minor-detainees in

SICA-2 as well as women IDPs, the BSTSRO

continues to work closely with the NP and other
partner organizations, such as the World Health
Organization (WHO) and Community
And Family Services International (CFSI).

SRO Staff meet with representatives from WHO and CSFI

at the BaSulTa SRO on March 17, 2014 to discuss the
issue of IDP women arrested in evacuation centers in
Zamboanga City.

Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism Training

Last March 14, 2014 Special Investigator Raiza Abas attended the monitoring and
reporting mechanism centered on the protection of women and children in the
autonomous region. The activity facilitates the process of reporting special cases and how
civil

society

organizations

and

nongovernment

organization

workers

and

other

humanitarian volunteer help in resolving the said incidences in their respective areas.

Capacity Building for RHRC-LDSPO work force:

Supervisory

Development

Course

(SDC)-Track I, March 17-21, 2014 at Davao

City; and Training session on Universal
Periodic Report writing, held RHRC Regional
Office, ORG CoMagPROund, Cotabato City.

SDC Participants
Training on Birth Registration Magna Carta on Children

An Orientation and Training on Birth Registration conducted by the Community

and Family International (CFSI) cited in the Magna Carta on Children was attended by the
RHRC GAD Focal Point Raiza Abas. The right of a child to have a name and identity is one
of the salient points behind the conduct of this activity.

32

Mine Risk Education Training

Legal Management and Assistance Division Head Atty. Bai Sittie Saida C. Bailan,
CPA, attended the week-long training on mine risk education facilitated by FSD
International. Participants were exposed how to educate all community residents from all
walks of life on how to prevent unexploded mines in their community and the mechanism
on reporting these devices.
National Training Workshop on Results Based Management and Effective Reporting

As a member of the protection and monitoring of the welfare of women and

children, this Office participated in a results-based management workshop facilitated by
the United Nations Women. It highlights the updating process of all cases related to
women and children.
Training on Republic Act 9344
MAGPRO Head Atty. Abdulnasser Badrudin attended the training held at Manila
with civil society organizations, local and international nongovernment organization and
other humanitarian workers in the country. The meeting focused on juvenile justice and
welfare system of the Philippines.
Capacity-building sessions attended by LDSPO work force to enhance their
effeciency and competence in the service to the community in strengthening
promotion and protection of human rights:
The RHRC LDSPO attended the following capacity building trainings: Supervisory
Development Course (SDC) track II, held at Davao City, May 05-10, 2014; Training
Workshop on CEDAW Implementation and Monitoring with a Special Session on
Trafficking,
Migration

and

Womens

Human

Rights,

Held

at

Quezon

City

on

May

1-3,

2014;

Training workshop
From Evidence to
action:

Protecting

Human

Rights

33

Defender and Fighting Impunity, held at Lantaka Hotel, Zamboanga City on May 26-28,
2014.
Communications Group Strategic Communication Training

To

be

fully

capacitated

on

communications, a five-day training on

basic communication was conducted at Em
Manor Hotel for the nine members of
Communications

Group.

The

training

covered 6 topics namely: Writing Skills

(News,

Editorial,

Writing);

Broadcast

Feature
and

and

Copy

Documentary

Making; Audio-Video Writing; Photography;

Lay-outing and Multi-media Presentation.

The participants of the Communications Group

Strategic Communication Training

Belfast delegation for Human Rights and Transitional Justice

On November 27-31, RHRC sent a delegation to Belfast, Northern Ireland for an
exposure trip on human rights and transitional justice. The delegation was hosted by the
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC). Chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales and
Commissioner Jose Manuel Mamauag of the Commission on Human Rights of the
Philippines joined the delegation, as well as a junior staff from the British Foreign
Commonwealth Office (FCO) in Manila. In this week-long visit, the RHRC met with various
agencies in Northern Ireland that are instrumental in human rights protection and
promotion, as well agencies that work with communities that still bear the legacy of the
Troubles. These agencies are: The Probation Board of Northern Ireland, the Community
Relations Council, WAVE Trauma Center (of which one of the NIHRC Commissioners is the
Director), Equality Commission, Northern Ireland Assembly, Ombudsman, and Police
Ombudsman. The visit provided an opportunity for RHRC Commissioners and senior staff
to learn about good practices of an
NHRI in a politically autonomous area.
Mr Ray Millan of the Northern Ireland
Community Relations Council shares his
experience of the troubles and the work his
office has been doing after the signing of
the Good Friday Agreement. On the wall
are pictures of divided communities in
various areas in Northern Ireland

34

South- South Exchange (Exposure to Indonesia)

The Gender Project of the Regional Human Rights Commission assisted by the
United Nations Development Program has embarked on an exposure trip to Indonesia on
December 27-29, 2014. The 3 day visit to Indonesia was conducted primarily to observe
the best practices of the CSO women in Indonesia in addressing issues and concerns on
gender. It was participated by the Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC), Regional
Commission of Bangsamoro Women (RCBW), Noorus Salam Central Mindanao, Lanao Del
Sur Peoples Council (LDSPC), Social Services for Grassroots and Development (SSGRCD),
and Moro Women Development and Cultural Center (MWDECC). AMAN Indonesia is the
host organization which was instrumental to RHRCs success in this endeavour.

The three

(3) day exposure trip comprised of the delegations visit to the Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi
Manusia (Commission on Human Rights), Komisi Perempuan (Womens Commission),
Yayasan Prasasti Perdamaian (YPP), Perempuan Institut (WomensInstitute), Fatayyat Nu and
PEKKA.

The delegates with the staff of PEKKA, a CSO women in Indonesia where they
train women to be the head of households.

35

GENERAL ADMINSITRATIVE AND SUPPORT FUNCTIONS

Security Risk Management Training

All HRMC and BST-SRO personnel, including security guards, attended a Security
Risk Management Training given by Human Rights Expert Shaun Kirven at the Garden
Orchid Hotel from July 30 to August 1, 2014.
Owing to the intrinsic risks attendant in the job of human rights workers and
advocates as well as the volatile nature of the security situation in the Basilan-Sulu-TawiTawi sub-region, there is the urgent need to equip the HRMC and BST-SRO personnel with
relevant skills on the management of security risks.

Establishment and Setting-Up of Human Rights Monitoring Centers: Initial Steps

Towards the end of the month, the BSTSRO started its search for possible office
spaces for the Human Rights Monitoring Centers (HRMCs) for Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi
as part of the EU-UNDP Project titled, Strengthening Institutions for Peace and Human
Rights (SIPHR).

Launch of the HRMCs

The HRMCs for the Island-Provinces

of

Basilan,

Sulu

and

Tawi-Tawi

were

launched on May 26, 27 and 29, 2014,

respectively.

The

establishment

of

the

HRMCs is envisioned to ensure a closer and

more meaningful engagement between the
RHRC and human rights stakeholders. The
HRMCs will also allow the RHRC to address

Stakeholders from different sectors attend the

human rights violations more quickly.

launch of the Human Rights Monitoring Center in

Isabela City, Basilan on May 26, 2014.

A day after its launching, the Sulu HRMC received its first complaint of alleged
HRVs: a group of families and individuals in the Municipality of Tongkil are allegedly
victims of involuntary servitude, forced labor, physical maltreatment and a form of illegal
detention.

36

Stakeholders from different sectors in Sulu attend

the launch of the Human Rights Monitoring
Center in Jolo, Sulu on May 27, 2014.

Stakeholders from different sectors in Tawi-Tawi

attend the launch of the Human Rights Monitoring
Center in Bonggao, Tawi-Tawi on May 29, 2014.

Team Building and Year-end Assessment

The

RHRC

has

achieved

considerable progress in performing its

mandate, even exceeding its targets for
2014 just halfway through the year. As
the year is near its end, it is necessary
for an assessment to be conducted, in
order to discuss the lessons learned and
the ways forward, in preparation for
2015.
The RHRC started with just five (5) personnel. It now has a total staff of 79,
including project personnel. Within this year alone, the manpower increased by 53% and as
such, there is a need to assess whether or not each employees is contributing effectively
and efficiently to the mandates of the institution. Strengthening of interpersonal
relationships is also necessary at this point, given the large number of personnel spread
across the four (4) main RHRC offices and the three (3) human rights monitoring centers.

Conducting such activity aims to gauge the

performance of the RHRC for 2014, taking
into considerations its mandates and targets,
determine if the RHRC is being strategic in
the implementation of its programs and
projects, consolidate the assessment that the
RHRC provincial offices and divisions have already conducted in preparation to this activity,
audit the RHRCs Management, Personnel and Environment by conducting a SWOT analysis

37

in preparation for next years Strategic Planning, discuss and address the best and
unfavourable practices of the provincial offices and divisions, share the learnings of the
personnel who were given trainings, capacity building and exposure trip here in the
Philippines and abroad and to enhance interpersonal relationships within the institution.

38

Key Result Area No. 1

TO

INSTITUTIONALIZE

BANGSAMORO

AND

HUMAN

OTHER

RIGHTS

GOVERNMENT

IN

THE

BODIES

OPERATING IN THE REGION

Human Rights Summit4

The Regional Human Rights Commission in the Autonomous Region in Mindanao
(RHRC-ARMM) held a Human Rights Summit at the Garden Orchids Hotel on May 6, 2014.
At the Summit, the RHRC introduced a new peace and human rights project, supported by
the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU), to key
stakeholders from ARMM, particularly Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA).

The

project,

entitled

Supporting the Transition to

Bangsamoro,
strengthen

aims
institutions

to
for

peace and human rights in the

ARMM.

This

initiative

will

contribute to the establishment

of

three

Human

Rights

Monitoring Centres in each of

the

BASULTA

provinces,

LGU Officials, members of CSOs and the Security Sector from Basilan,
Sulu and Tawi-Tawi attend the Human Rights Summit at Garden
Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City on May 06, 2014.

serving as platforms for the quick response to, as well as monitoring and promotion of,
human rights in one of the most iMagPROverished and conflict-ravaged regions in the
Philippines.
RHRC Chairperson Algamar Latiph stated that the project was timely, as there was
great need to localize human rights initiatives: We have to make human rights closer to
the people and closer to the community. We have to engage the people at the very
grassroots. We have to make the rule of law alive. Atty. Latiph said that the Summit was

RHRC,
UNDP,
and
EU
Holds
Human
Righst
Summit
for
ARMM
<visited
January
25,
2015
http://www.ph.undp.org/content/philippines/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2014/05/07/rhrc-undp-and-eu-holds-human-rights-summitfor-armm/>

39

an opportunity to share their experiences and priority issues so that their insight,
experiences, and voices will be recorded and from these RHRC can properly identify
activities and programs that will be launched from the newly established Human Rights
Monitoring Centers.
Speaking on behalf of the EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux, EU Programme Manager
Edoardo Manfredini reiterated the iMagPROrtance of civil society, indicating that it has
always been a crucial sector in the promotion of human rights because through its
engagement with government and security forces, it compels the latter to be transparent
and accountable. Mr. Manfredini highlighted the key role that women were to play for
peace and stability in the Bangsamoro, and stressed that future programs need to be
developed to ensure women participation in the peace and development process.
UNDP Country Director Maurice Dewulf pointed out that development is not there
and cannot be there - when there is no peace and when human rights are stepped
upon. Mr. Dewulf therefore urged RHRC, as well as the Commission on Human Rights
(CHR), to ensure thereby that the development, peace and human rights nexus be
continuously kept at the forefront of your iMagPROrtant work and advocacy.
It is in respect to this nexus that CHR Chairperson Etta Rosales lauded the projects
initiatives, for without human rights integrated into local governance, it will be so difficult
to bring about an enduring peace that will also bring about the right to development. The
conference was attended by 150 participants, including human rights defenders and
promoters from the Department of Interior and Local Government, Armed Forces of the
Philippines, Philippine National Police, and Bangsamoro Human Rights Network. The
participants summarized the main issues which they wanted the project to address, and
signed a Declaration of Commitment, symbolizing their willingness to support the projects
objective to build peace, human rights, and development for the new Bangsamoro.

40

Educating Security Sector on Human Rights

Training:

Miranda Doctrine, Torture Law, Extra-Judicial Killing and Enforced Disappearance

On January 7, 2014, the RHRC

conducted

lecture

on

Miranda

Doctrine, Torture Law and Law against

Enforced Disappearance at the PROARMM in the Municipality of Parang,
Maguindanao. It was participated by the
Maguindanao

Provincial Office Police

Non-Commissioned

Officers

of

the

Philippine National PolicePRO ARMM.

The

RHRC

lecture

team

The Participants

was

coMagPROsed of the Head of Legal and Investigation Division Atty. Bai Sittie Saida Bailan
together with Special Investigators Raiza Abas and Archad Ayao.

Training:

Human Trafficking, Violence Against Women and Children, Extra-Judicial Killing and

Enforced
Disappearance

The MAGPRO conducted an orientation for 40 policemen assigned in ARMM

regarding the human rights issues such as human trafficking, EJK, enforced disappearance
and VAWC last March 19, 2014. Students were informed and educated regarding the
concepts of human rights and HR investigation process. Information, Education and
Campaign materials were distributed among the participants and given to PC/SUPT Noel
Delos Reyes.

Training:

Anti-Torture

law,

Extra-Judicial

Killing

Enforced

Disappearance,

International

Humanitarian Law, and Basic Human Rights

Maguindanao Provincial Team catered to 165 members of the Maguindanao Police

Provincial Office and 45th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army for Human Rights Training and
Advocacy.

41

The participants were educated on the concepts of human rights such as antitorture law, enforced disappearance, international humanitarian law, arrest and seizure,
basic human rights and the Commissions mandates and functions. Information, Education
and Campaign materials were distributed among the participants.
This Office emphasized the obligations of the security sectors in promoting,
protecting and fulfillment of human rights.

Lecture: PNP-PRO-ARMM on Anti-Torture Law and Basic Human Rights

Pursuant to Sec. 24 and Sec 25 of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 288, this
Office is mandated to conduct advocacy, training and capacity building in relation to
human rights principles among the stakeholders in the autonomous region.
This Office educated 88 male police enforcers and 15 female enforcers of the PNPPRO ARMM who are enrolled in the Modified Philippine National Police Special Counterinsurgency Operations Unit Training Class 41-2014-ARMM MABITAG.
The team had distributed information, education and campaign materials such as
key chains, posters and brochures to promote RHRC. Police enforcers were given a case
study in relation to Republic Act 9745 or otherwise known as Anti-Torture Act of 2009 and
Republic Act 7438 or otherwise known as Rights of Arrested persons focused on its
implications in human rights perspective.
During the plenary discussion, the team learned that police officers were concerned
on incidences such as rallies and assemblies that are inciting the police officers to commit
alleged human rights violations. Atty. Abdulnasser Badrudin said that necessary means to
prevent harmful actions from the civilian populace. He said that it is the utmost care from
the police enforcers that should prevail in these circumstances.

Engaging ARMM HEART

The Commissions Deputy Executive Director designate, Atty. Adjuria K. Kansi
shared her input and knowledge on United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal
Displacement and International Humanitarian Law to the government officials of ARMM
held at Davao City last March 26-27, 2014.

42

Participating in Regional Law Enforcement and Coordinating Council

The Regional Law Enforcement and Coordinating Council (RLECC) coMagPROsed of
Multi-National and Local Line and State Agencies of the government that have in regard
and functions of law enforcement to which the RHRC is a regular member.
Last April 24, 2014, one of the regular meetings of RLECC was held at Crystal Inn,
Tibanga, Iligan City and was presided by the PNP Regional Director, SSupt. Delos Reyes of
PRO-ARMM.
The meeting was fully attended by the regular members of the council. The agenda
tackled during the Quorum were: Review of the previous Minutes of the Meeting,
Presentations of mandates and functions of some member agencies and the update on
current issues in the ARMM.
Before the meeting was adjourned, the body had resolved and approved the
creation of the Sub-committee on Transportation to be Headed by the LTFRB and then set
the scheduled of the next meeting on May 15, 2014 at Alnor Function Hall, Alnor Complex,
Cotabato City.

One on one interview

The Lanao del Sur Provincial Office conducted a one-on-one interview with PSupt.
Abner Santos, City Chief of Police in Marawi City on July 26, 2014 regarding his policies to
prevent his men from committing abuses in executing search and arrest warrant and the
PNPs procedures in handling criminals. During the conversations, updates on peace and
order situation in the city were also tackled, particularly the issues on the existence of the
kidnapping for ransom groups and the shabu industry in Marawi City.

43

Key Result Area 2.

TO INCORPORATE HUMAN RIGHTS IN GOVERNANCE
AND DEVELOPMENT IN LGUS.

Focus Group Discussion on Basic Human Rights Issues

The

RHRC

Lanao

del

Sur

Provincial Office (LDSPO) conducted a

Focus

Group

Discussion

(FGD)

at

Piagapo in partnership with the CFSI to

discuss issues and concerns related to
the improvement of the human rights
situation in the area. The participants
came

from

different

community

sectors. NGOs and LGU officials gave

The participants of FGD on Basic Human Rights Issues

their commitment to collaborate and

work together in addressing identified HR issues.

Engaging the LGU Officials of the Municipality of Bacolod-Kalawi

LDSPO met with the LGU Officials of the Municipality of Bacolod, Kalawi last
August 04, 2014, and discussed the human rights situation in the community and the
commitment of support between the RHRC and the municipal government for HR
promotion and prevention of HRVs. At the end of the meeting an agreement was made
that is the LGU and Academe will sit together to plan for the realization of their output.

Participated in Sulu Provincial Peace and Order Council

In Sulu, the SRO staff attended the Provinces Provincial Peace and Order Council
Meeting.

44

Establishing and Strengthening Partnerships

In Sulu, courtesy visits to LGU Offices and NGOs were made in order to improve on
the existing partnerships in the interest of human rights. Field visits to MNLF communities
were also conducted to inform the relatives of the detainees about updates in the judicial
process.

Consultation with LGUs of Kabuntalan and Buldon

This Office continuously advocates the promotion of human rights thru one of its
major projects the Municipality Human Rights Profiling. Field Monitor Edna Pandi discussed
the Municipal Human Rights Profile, its purpose and iMagPROrtance to the local chief
executives and officials of Buldon and Kabuntalan (Tumbao) municipalities.

Participated in the Basilan Crisis Management Committee

Basilan HRMC attended a meeting with the Crisis Management Committee, being
conducted on a monthly basis by Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. at Isabela City, Basilan. The
said meeting was coMagPROsed of several ARMM agencies based in the Province of
Basilan.

It was aimed at developing an effective response to any crisis as well as to

provide sufficient assistance to those affected.

Exploratory Meetings with partner INGOs UNHCR, ILO, government agencies

DSWD, SACC, Jolo Municipal government and Civil Society Organizations
From July 16 to 17, 2014, Sulu HRMC engaged with delegates from the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Labor Organization, Department of
Social Welfare and Development, Sulu Area Coordinating Center, Jolo Municipal
government and various Sulu-based Civil Society Organizations in a series of exploratory
meetings in order to gain insights on the peculiar issues and concerns in the province
particularly in the fields of human rights, internal displacement, labor woes and security
situation, among others.

45

Executive Meeting with ARMM Sulu Convergence Office and ARMM line
agencies
Sulu HRMC Special Investigator attended an Executive Meeting of all provincial line
agencies called for by the ARMM Convergence Office focal person Irene Tillah at the
ARMM-Regional Convergence Office on July 22, 2014. The agenda of the meeting includes
special programs of the Regional Convergence Office, preparation for the Sub-Cabinet
meeting of provincial heads last July 31, 2014, schedule of monthly meetings, and other
matters.

Engaging the LGUs to Establish Maguindanao Provincial Human Rights Action

Center
One of the long-term goals of the RHRC is the creation of the Provincial Human
Rights Action Center (PHRAC) in each province. Atty. Abdulnasser Badrudin, the Head of
the RHRC MAGPRO, suggested an alternative plan while waiting for the creation of PHRAC.
As there is a pending bill before the Maguindanao Sangguniang Panlalawigan on the
creation of an office for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in the province, Atty. Badrudin
suggests that the proposed office for PWD also function as the Human Rights Desk/Corner.
For this purpose, the RHRC MAGPRO is in constant coordination with Board Member Atty.
Abubakar Katambak. The relevant bill is already in its second reading.

46

Key Result Area No. 3

TO PROTECT WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PERSONS WITH SPECIAL CONCERNS
RHRC Investigated Rape Case in Barangay Awang
RHRC through Gender and Development (GAD) and Violence Against Women and
Children (VAWC) Focal Point Special Investigator II Raiza Abas of MAGPRO initiated the
monitoring and information gathering in relation to the alleged rape case involving minors
and their coach who are residents of Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat. SI Abas has
secured pertinent documents, such as the police blotter and affidavits of the victims
against the respondent. MAGPRO learned that the respondent has already fled and
authorities are looking for him.
Child Protection Rapid Assessment, CPWG Monthly Meeting, Country Task Force on
Monitoring and Reporting. On March 3, 10 to 12, 19 and 28, 2014, as a member of the
CPWG Mindanao Cluster, RHRC attended the monthly meeting highlighting issues
regarding the protection of children in the province.
RHRC Participated in Indigenous Peoples Women Forum
Uniting all the stakeholders in the autonomous region about strong foundation of
human rights knowledge, the MAGPRO joined the Mindanao Tri-People Women Resource
Center, a local nongovernment organization based in Cotabato City in its conduct of the
Indigenous Peoples Women Forum last March 25, 2014. Special Investigator Archad Ayao
presented the Commissions powers and functions alongside with the topic on recent
situation of the Indigenous Peoples in the province and ARMM, in general discussed by
Special Investigator Raiza Abas. Atty. Abdulnasser Badrudin answered some of the legal
queries of the participants specifically on the customary law, IPRA and on marriage among
them.
Engaging Special Child Protection Working Group
With other civil society organizations, non-government organizations and local
government units, this Office participated in the special meeting on Child Protection
Working Group - Mindanao Cluster last February 2, 2014.The heightened tension between
the government forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was the primary
issue.

47

Protecting Children: RHRC Actively Participated in Child Protection Working

Protection and Child Protection Rapid Assessment
On February 13 and 14, 2014, the RHRC attended a CPWG Mindanao Cluster
meeting. Being a member of said cluster,theRHRC regularly attends its monthly meetings,
wherein issues regarding the protection of children are discussed
Educating ARMM on Child Rights
Atty. Adjuria K. Kansi delivered her inputs regarding the situation of children in
armed conflict in the autonomous region to the humanitarian workers based in
Maguindanao and Cotabato City. She highlighted the collaborative efforts of all
stakeholders in eliminating human rights abuses during local war incidences. The
participants were informed and educated with the trends of human rights abuses
experienced by children in the region.
Orientating CSOs on ARMM Referral System for Child Rights
On May 3, 2014, the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) held a
one day orientation on Magna Carta for Children in ARMM and Referral pathway for Civil
Society

Organizations,

Non-government

Organizations,

line-agencies

and

other

government agencies on May 2, 2014. The MAGPRO participated in the said activity.
The MAGPRO explained the RHRC operational system in handling alleged human
rights violations particularly women and children HR cases and its referral pathway thru its
Bangsamoro Human Rights Network.
Engaging the Community: Grassroots Forum for Women and the Youth
On September 26, 2014,
fifty-nine

women

different
backgrounds

leaders

from

socio-political
as

well

as

youth

leaders from various schools and

colleges in the province of Sulu
converged at the Sumadja Hall at
the

Sulu

Provincial

Capitol

Complex in Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu

to participate in a whole day

The active participants of grassroots forum for women and youth

grassroots women forum. Through

48

the forum the most pressing issues and concerns facing women and the youth were
identified and the participants presented possible solutions.
Participants came from various backgrounds: barangay local government leaders,
government employees,

madrassa teachers,

members

and former combatants of

recognized liberation fronts, members of civil society organizations, young professionals,

and students.
Participating in Joint CPWG-SGBV Cluster
Being one of the active members of the CPWG and SGBV Clusters, RHRC through
its focal point, Ms.Raiza Abas, was able to participate in the 3rd quarter joint cluster
meeting held at the BRAC Office, Cotabato City. The agenda of the said meeting include
GBV/ Child Protection/Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism Issues, Responses and
Updates and October-December 2014 Action Plan.
Educating VAW Center Community Facilitators on VAWC
The Magungaya Mindanao Inc., with the support of the United Nations Fund for
Population conducteda four-day training at the Estosan Garden Hotel to the community
facilitators who will be manning the Women/VAW Centers in the Municipalities of South
Upi, DatuPiang and Mamasapano. SI Raiza Abas delivered a lecture on Republic Act 9262
otherwise known as Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act. On the other
hand, a discussion on Republic Act 8353 or the Anti-Rape Act was also facilitated by SI
Archad Ayao.
Consultative Meeting in the Formulation of the Maguindanao Women and
Children Peace Center Manual of Operation by the PLGU of Maguindanao
SI Raiza Abas attended the consultative meeting conducted by the Provincial Local
Government of Maguindanao which aimed to contribute in attaining a more gender and
child-responsive manual about the operation and will also guide in maintaining the
purposes of the center.
Interview with the CPWG National Consultant
SSI Abdillah Alik and Raiza Abas were interviewed by the Child Protection Working
Group National Consultant from UNICEF to identify issues and good practices of the
Central Mindanao CPWG during their four-year operation. RHRC, being a new member of
the group, has participated in almost all of the activities of the cluster.

49

Key Result Area No. 4

TO PROTECT INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS, MIGRANTS AND STATELESS PERSON
IN THE BANGSAMORO.

Skirmishes in Barangay Muslim, Guindulungan, Maguindanao

On January 8, 2014 skirmishes in Guindulungan Municipality in the province of
Maguindanao transpired. Based on these sources, the RHRC Maguindanao Provincial Office
(MAGPRO) learned that there were displaced families who took refuge with their relatives
in the adjacent barangays. On January 19, 2014, tensions between the quarrying parties
heightened which resulted to renewed skirmishes. Community residents conveyed the
information that affected residents did not receive any support, either financial or material,
from concerned and appropriate line agencies. The MAGPRO immediately formed a team
to monitor the incident and sent letters to concerned agencies to facilitate the delivery of
basic services for the displaced families. Approximately 250 families or 1250 individuals
benefited from the monitoring and assistance.

IDP protection and monitoring in Basilan, Sulu and Zamboanga City

Protection

and

monitoring

activities of IDPs were conducted in

Basilan, Sulu and Zamboanga City in
close

coordination

with

the

United

Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

(UNHCR) and the Protection Cluster, in
relation

to

the

September

2013

Zamboanga Siege. Additionally, a series

of Kids Fun Day programs was organized
to boost psycho-social support of children
of IDPs.

Special Investigator YouseffKamlian monitors the displacement of

residents brought about by Big Waves which hit the Municipality
of Jolo, Sulu,from 11 to 15 of January, 2014; in Jolo, Sulu on
January 25, 2014.

50

UNHCR Mindanao Head, Mr. Peter Deck, with RHRCUNHCR Special Investigator KishraDawabi, interview
the camp managers during the ocular visit at Rio
Hondo Transitional Site on January 31, 2014.

RHRC-UNHCR
Special
Investigator
KishraDawabi with UNHCR Protection Officer
RacmahAbdula and UNHCR Mindanao Head
Peter Deck interact with the IDPs during the
ocular visit at the Talon-Talon Evacuation
Center on January 31, 2014.

Children line up for the toy distribution

during the Kids Fun Day organized by the
RHRC BaSulTa SRO at the Zamboanga EastWest Central School, one of the evacuation
centers occupied by the Zamboanga Siege
IDPs, on January 2, 2014.

51

RHRC BaSulTa Team attends the Protection Cluster Meeting on Zamboanga Siege IDP
issues and concerns with partner agencies at the DSWD Regional Office IX, Zamboanga
City on January 21, 2014.

Evacuee-Children

of

detained

Legal

Aid

Program clients receive toys from RHRC Staff

at the BaSulTa SRO on January 16, 2014.

52

Expanded HEART Meeting

On February 06, 2014, Chairperson Atty. Algamar A. Latiph, together with Special
Investigator Raiza Abas, attended the regular ARMM HEART meeting to discuss the recent
skirmishes in Maguindanao between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and BIFF. Atty.
Latiph emphasized the worst impact of using unnecessary force in serving a single warrant
of arrest to lawless elements in the area. He questioned the armys operations where it
displaced thousands of families in five municipalities such as Datu Piang, Datu Saudi
Ampatuan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Mamasapano, Rajah Buayan and Shariff Aguak. This
Office recorded numerous incidences of displacements on the said areas.

UNGPID Training
RHRC Deputy Executive Director designate, Atty. Adjuria K. Kansi, shared her
knowledge on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (UNGPID)
on March 13, 2014 to civil society organizations, nongovernment organizations and
community leaders held at the CFSI Training Center.

IDP Protection and Monitoring

Continuous Monitoring of the Entry of Deportees from Sabah In Tawi-Tawi, the
BSTRO continue its monitoring of the entry of deportees from Sabah.

Monitoring of IDPs as a Result of a Firefight in Barangay Buayan, DatuPiang

On April 24, 2014, the MAGPRO secured the initial report of PNP-Datu Piang
during the site validation on April 24, 2014. PNP- Datu Piang recorded that on April 22,
2014 at around 12:25 PM, Commander Kasim and Salam Paglas exchanged fires in
Barangay Balanaken and on the next day, April 23, five civilians were wounded due to the
continued armed clash. Authorities initial investigation revealed that splinters from M079
grenade launcher was the cause of their injuries. Aside from the injuries, the roof of the
fish landing port located in Barangay Buayan was also damaged.

53

World Refugee Day Launching

The

Regional

Human

Rights

Commission, Autonomous Region in Muslim

Mindanao in partnership with the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and
The

European

Union

Strengthening

Institution for Peace and Human Rights Project

under

the

United

Nations

Development

Programme joined forces in observing the

World Refugee Day through conducting a
series of activities last June 19 and 21, 2014.

Participants of the WRD sympathizes with IDPs all

over the World

The first activity was the Launching of World Refugee Day last June 19 (Thursday),
at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex. With this years theme, in Mindanao context: One
Family Torn Apart by Conflict is Too Many, different ARMM line agencies and partners,
including security sector attended the said event to give support.

World Refugee Day in DatuPiang

In partnership with the United
Nations

High

Commissioner

for

Refugees and The European Union Strengthening Institution for Peace and
Human

Rights

United

Project

Nations

under

the

Development

Programme, the RHRC conducted the

second

of

series

activity

to

commemorate World Refugee Day. This

was

conducted

in

Datu

Piang,

The beneficiaries of the second of a series activity to

commemorate WRD

Maguindanao. Lectures on Basic Human

Rights and UNGPID were delivered. Aside from the conduct of lectures, hygiene kits and
school supplies were given to the 70 identified families (approximately 251 Internally
Displaced Persons).

54

World Refugee Day in Shariff Aguak

In partnership with the United
Nations

High

Commissioner

for

Refugees and The European Union Strengthening Institution for Peace and
Human

Rights

United

Project

Nations

under

the

Development

Programme

the

feeding

program

conducted

in

Shariff

Aguak,

Maguindanao was a success. This is

The beneficiaries of the third of a series activity to

commemorate WRD

the third of a series activity to commemorate World Refugee Day. Lectures on Basic
Human Rights were delivered. Recipient of this activity are 80 orphan girls of Madrasah
Markaz Salahuddin.
Monitoring on the displacement in Datu Salibo municipality
On July 21, 2014 early Monday, clashes
erupted

between the BIFF and AFP. Nine

civilians were wounded in subsequent artillery

fire by the military on positions of the BIFF. All
the

wounded

civilians

were

residence

of

Barangay PenditenDatuSalibo. The Emergency

Action and Response Team (HEART), with the
RHRC, brought the five wounded civilians to the
Monitoring on the displacement in
ShariffSaydona Mustapha

Cotabato Regional and Medical

Center to

undergo medication. On July 22, 2014, the

ARMM Heart and RHRC team accompanied

the wounded in going to the Barangay Pagatin, DatuSalibo.

The Regional Governor gave cash assistance to wounded civilians before the team
went to DatuSalibo with them. The Team verified that there were 5 families IDPs in Pagatin,
DatuSalibo. The IDPs were from Brgy. Pendatin,DatuSalibo. The wounded civilians during
the skirmishes between the BIFF and AFP were afraid to go back in Pagatin, DatuSalibo,
therefore the RHRC team together with the ARMM Heart went with them for security
purpose. There were reported IDPs in Brgy. Pagatin, DatuSalibo caused by the skirmishes
between the AFP and BIFF.

55

The RHRC team, together with the

ARMM HEART, verified the report that there
were IDPs in Bakat, ShariffSaydona. The team
arrived late because it secured clearance in the
AFP before it went to the area. According to a
Barangay Kagawad, there were approximately
401 displaced families from Gantaand, 36
displaced

from

Pandi,

ShariffSaydona

who

stayed at ARMM Social fund building. Some

IDPS at the make-shift evacuation area

of the IDPs stayed in the house of the said

Barangay kagawad, while the others were homebased. The ARMM heart also verified that
there were 261 displaced families in Bagumbong,Mamasapano.The IDPs were from
Barangay Inaladan, Mamasapano. As of the moment, only IDPs from Barangay
Penditenhave not returned to their habitual residence because of fear that there will be an
encounter again.

IDP Protection and Monitoring

IDP protection monitoring is in progress in Sulu due to armed conflict in the
Municipality of Pata and Kalingalan Caluang.

Monitoring on the displacement in Shariff Saydona Mustapha

The MagPro team verified and assisted the situation of IDPs in Brgy. Bakat, Shariff
Saydona. The field monitor met the LGU Datu Piang for updating their MHRP. The
displaced families need immediate assistance from the Local government and other line
agencies. Issues on health were raised by the displaced families in Barangay Bakat, Shariff
Saydona, some children suffered from diarrhea, fever, and cough. No medical intervention
given to them and no health center in the area. No food assistance and other relief goods
were received. No evacuation center or building in the area that serve as shelter for the
other families, therefore they have to build tent as their temporary shelter and they
suffered during heavy rain. Classes were suspended at Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona. To
address this concern the Commission issued an IDPAR.

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Monitoring in Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang

During a series of fire fight and mortar shelling took place in the different
municipalities in Maguindanao, the Maguindanao Provincial Office received news about a
destruction of property owned by a civilian last August 12, 2014. It took place in Brgy.
Buayan, Datu Piang which resulted to the injury of one minor.
The MagPro Team went to conduct an ocular inspection in the site of the incident
in Brgy. Buayan, Datu Piang. Abedin Mulod, 49 years old, showed the team how a mortar
shattered his house and injured son. The residents in the area said that allegedly the
mortar came from Brgy. Nabalawag, Midsayap. There was not enough evidence and other
sources to support such information. Datu Piang Municipal Police Station said they are on
the process of investigating the case and doesnt have enough information where the
mortar came from. However, the team investigated and gathered updates from the reports
of the PNP. The reports stated that the family received assistance from the LGU of Datu
Piang. The details said assistance is not yet clear and the team will get more information
about it. The primary concern is on the safety and security of the residents especially that
one civilian was injured. It is noteworthy that the said civilian is a minor. The information
gathered by the team shows that the house is owned by a civilian. The team aims to
emphasize the protection of civilian property during armed conflict.
Key Result Area No. 5
TO INCORPORATE HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE PEACE PROCESS.

Kapehan sa RHRC
"Kapehan sa RHRC" serves as a venue for the members to enjoy a cup of coffee
while discussing and sharing insights on the relevant issues and concerns in the ARMM. Its
first kick-off was held last February 13, 2014 with the Bangsamoro Human Rights Network
(BHRN).
It was also in February when the
RHRC started conducting the monthly
Kapehan

sa

RHRC.

One

particularly

significant Kapehan was conducted on

February
Deputy

28,

2014,

Regional

with

Director

UN

Women

Ramanathan

Balakrishnan as the resource person. The

discussion revolved around updates on

The participants in the Kapehan as facilitatede by Aiza

Casimra-Salakadang

57

CEDAW implementation, the Rule of Law and Transitional Justice. DSWD ARMM, Muslim
Youth Organization, United Youth for Peace and Development MMI, RLA, Mindanao TriPeople Women Resources Center Inc. DAF ARMM Moro Women Development and Cultural
Center, Inc. are the participants during the said activity.
As of December 2014, RHRC has held seven (8)Kapehan sa RHRC sessions.

Consultation on Transitional Justice

Atty. Badrudin attended the consultative meeting with stakeholders of Central
Mindanao regarding the transitional justice mechanisms to be implemented in the
Bangsamoro. This Office is in support to maximize all necessary means in achieving a
human rights violations- free area.
Memorandum Of Agreement Between HRVCB and RHRC

The Regional Human Rights Commission signed a memorandum of agreement with

the HRVCB. As part of the agreement, claims board will hire and station a claims desk
officer in the RHRC office in Cotabato City.

The signing of the memorandum of agreement between HRVCB and RHRC.

Chairpersons Lina Castillo-Sarmiento and Atty. Algamar A. Latiph respectively

58