While Congress was deliberating on the extension of martial law in Mindanao, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) pitched in its two cents: An extension won’t be necessary. The CHR said it had confidence that the military could “effectively quell terrorism” spread by Islamic State-inspired armed groups in Marawi City and “restore law and order in the whole of Mindanao even without martial law.”ADVERTISEMENTThe CHR also called for upholding human rights in any context, noting that CHR regional offices in Mindanao had started investigating allegations of human rights violations following the declaration of martial law. But the CHR also praised “the courage and bravery” of government troops, saying their rights and welfare must also be upheld. It condemned the actions of the rebel armed groups led by the Maute Group. Please do not think we are any less patriotic when these concerns are raised as the constitution itself enshrines the same values,” the CHR said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 22, 2017 10:18 UTC