Phl denies allegations of torture before int'l rights committee

From the Philippine Star (Oct 21): Phl denies allegations of torture before int'l rights committee

The Philippines has denied allegations that torture and ill treatment of individuals under the custody of law enforcement and military personnel are widespread in the country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday. The Philippine delegation, headed by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, reported to the Human Rights Committee during its 106th session held recently at the Palais Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland the developments in the country’s compliance with the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. De Lima informed the committee of numerous legislation enacted in the past nine years to strengthen the country’s legal framework to ensure better protection and promotion of human rights, and to further align domestic legislation with the provisions of the covenant, as well as measures being undertaken to ensure that these laws are duly implemented. “There exist mechanisms within the security forces that address cases of torture in accordance with due process of law and the military justice system,” she explained. “The Philippine government continues to empower its security sector to fully comply with human rights, international humanitarian law, and the rule of law,” De Lima added....

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=861720&publicationSubCategoryId=63