CHR strongly condemns all forms of torture and other cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment. While the video posted online which depicts military trainees being subjected to such treatment in the course of their training was taken three years ago, before the passage of the anti-torture act, its exposure should serve as a wake-up call to the state security establishment to match their rhetoric supporting human rights with concrete action.

A few weeks ago, the CHR received reports of hazing being practiced on police recruits in Camp Eldridge in Laguna. The PNP has promised to investigate, root out the practice and sanction those responsible.

Under the new administration of President Aquino, with its avowed intention of achieving a paradigm shift in internal peace and security towards human rights-based policing, law enforcement and military actions, the CHR is optimistic that the perpetrators of the dastardly acts would be punished.

More importantly, the AFP, PNP and all other law enforcement agencies should disavow in unequivocal terms the use of physical, mental and psychological violence in its training activities. This is essential if we are to eradicate the ‘utak pulbura’ attitude in these institutions and to build a strong culture of human rights in the Philippines.”