Communications Secretary Martin Andanar called on the United Nations Human Rights Council to exercise prudence in assessing allegations of human rights violations under President Duterte’s watch.
“We repeat the call for prudence in assessing claims, particularly from sources who have enjoyed the hallowed status of human rights defenders while waging the longest insurgency in Asia and terrorizing communities in the Philippines,” he said. He added that the said groups claim legitimate anti-insurgency actions as red-tagging, curtailment of civic space, and weaponization of bureaucracy against their armed struggle.
The Palace official said that while the UNHRC remains vital in promoting human rights across the globe, it had to be free of politicization to preserve its credibility and integrity.