EXTRA JUDICIAL KILLINGS: The link between drug problem and human rights

The Philippine Constitution upholds human rights as basic and fundamental that is indispensable to
every Filipino. Over the years, human rights has been at the headlines of international newspapers and
news portals due to the fact that the present administration has been very rabid in its bid to cleanse this
country against illegal drugs.

President Duterte pronounced a very strong words at the advent of his Presidential campaign that he
can solve the problem on drug for just 6 months. This statement has been one of the major moving
factor that 16 million Filipino people were alluded believe that should he win the most powerful position
of this country, he can fulfill his promise.

2 years past his administration, was he able to fulfill this promise? Was there significant results? or is the
problem on illegal still apparent? These are the apparent questions that linger in the minds of a lot of
Filipino people here and abroad.

Human Rights: vital cog of modern democracy

The United Nation has defined human rights as universal and inalienable, interdependent and
indivisible, and equal and non-discriminatory.

It is said to be universal and inalienable because every human being is entitled to such right and in no
way it can be taken away without the benefit of due process of law as a fundamental right enshrined
under own constitution.

In a society in which person is considered, the violation or deprivation of human rights will definitely
affect others. This makes this right interdependent and indivisible.

Finally, each person is entitled for such human rights regardless of religious belief, race, gender
preference, political inclinations and social status. Our government, especially our law enforcement
agencies must respect these rights without discrimination and reservations.

Extra – judicial killing’s “variable definitions”

The Aquino Administration has issued Administrative Order No. 35 which defines extra – judicial killing
as an act committed by "state and non-state forces" to silence, "through violence and intimidation,
legitimate dissent and opposition raised by members of the civil society, cause-oriented groups, political
movements, people's and non-governmental organizations, and by ordinary citizens."

However, the Philippines, being a signatory nation of various international human rights treaties and
pacts, should adhere to the international definition which defines the same as "killing of a person by
government authorities without sanction of judicial proceeding or legal process."

It can be deduced that the killings happening in our society amid the war against dangerous drugs are
outside the ambit of judicial procedures and processes. The current administration has to revisit its
ranks and be the lead in ensuring that the highest standards of human rights are given much premium.
Otherwise, President Duterte will leave a legacy as a laughing stock of international community because
of its failure to adhere to these standards.
Now more than ever, a call for vigilance and action

It cannot be denied that this is becoming a problem in our society. Problem that even the international
community is taking cognizance. If indeed that the purported killings are not against the law, we have to
be focus ourselves in upholding human rights as paramount. Let us do away from apathy and
indifference. Now more than ever is the time to be proactive and be aware of what is happening in our
society. Let us not be passive receivers of information rather call for action, if not this generation, who
will? If not now, then when? Ponder on it.