BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – A Commission on Human Rights – Cordillera (CHR-CAR) official enjoins continuing partnership among stakeholders in ensuring a human rights – friendly region, as the term of 5th En Banc Commissioners of the CHR ends.
CHR – CAR Regional Director Atty. Romel Daguimol outlined the importance of a strong partnership with regional line agencies especially those in law enforcement, civil society organizations, media practitioners and the communities, in the promotion of human rights and ensuring a violation-free, if not, at least in keeping HR violation very minimal in the Cordillera.
Daguimol calls for a continuing united front in ensuring a well educated populace in terms of knowing their rights and their role in upholding them.
He assures that the CHR will continue with its mandate as the conscience of the government and the voice of the people to the state. He also encourages civil society organizations, the media and the citizenry themselves to help since the stronger the people and society talk, the better for the government to hear and to act, as it is also the mandate of the state to protect, respect and uphold human rights.
The CHR is an independent constitutional office created under the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines on May 5, 1987, with the primary functions of investigating all forms of HR violations involving civil and political rights in the country.
It is spearheaded by a Commission En Banc appointed by the President of the Philippines with a seven-year term. The officials of the CHR’s 5th Commission were appointed by the then President Benigno Aquino III in 2015 and their term ended this May 5, 2022.
The incoming President will appoint the new membership of the 6th Commission.
Daguimol led other CHR – CAR officials and guests for the Commission’s 35th year anniversary Program at Orchard Hotel here, Monday (May 16). Highlight of the program was the presentation of CHR – CAR’s accomplishments under the 5th Commission in the scope of HR Protection and Policy Advisory, Protective Services and Human Rights Promotion Services.
CHR partners provided messages of solidarity – 503rd IB Deputy Commander Col. Christopher Sab-it for the Philippine Army, Human Rights Affairs Office Chief PLtCol Luisito Meris for the Police Regional Office – Cordillera and Ferdinand Gonzales of the People Organization for Social Transformation Development Network Inc. in behalf of civil society organizations.
The program was followed by a press conference to provide more information on human rights and the present related issues and concerns in the Cordillera region. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
