Rectify HRV Claims Board: All should qualify

EX-PNP PCSUPT. LINA SARMIENTO:
GOOD PERSON, WRONG APPOINTMENT

Each of the members of the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board…
shall possess, among others, the following qualification:
“(b) Must have a deep and thorough understanding and knowledge of human rights
and involvement in efforts against human rights violations committed
during the regime of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos;…”
( underscore by PAHRA)
Chapter II, Section 8, (b)
Republic Act (RA) 10368

The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) welcomes the long-delayed Presidential announcement of the newly appointed members of the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board, the formation of which was mandated in Republic Act 10368 – An Act Providing for Reparation and Recognition of Victims of Human Rights Violations During the Marcos Regime, Documentation of Said Violations, Appropriating Funds Therefore and For Other Purposes.

With due respect to President Benigno S. Aquino’s prerogative to appoint the composition of the Claims’ Board, PAHRA would like to point out that President Aquino has overlooked two aspects. One is the vital qualification in appointing the members of the Board, much more to be sought of the Chairperson, as cited in RA 10368, Chapter II, Section 8, that each of the members, among others:

“(b) Must have a deep and thorough understanding and knowledge of human rights and involvement in efforts against human rights violations committed during the regime of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos;…”

Ms. Lina Sarmiento, a good police woman, has been appointed to the wrong position. There is a qualification gap.

Formerly a Police Chief Superintendent equal to the AFP’s two-star General rank and now technically a civilian as recently retired, Ms. Sarmiento comes from an institution which was an instrument of repression during martial law. It must be remembered that the present Philippine National Police (PNP) evolved from the Integrated National Police (INP). The INP was under the Philippine Constabulary (PC), which in turn was part of the AFP.

The militarized INP contributed to the intensity of repression and to the many gross human rights violations perpetrated at that time. The despicable PC-INP minions of the Marcos dictatorship were responsible for many forms of torture, blatant abductions that led to enforced disappearances and the merciless extra-judicial killings. For instance, the Philippine Constabulary (PC), like the Constabulary Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the 173rd PC Company, perpetrated torture and gender violence in 1974 against the Hilao sisters Amaryllis and Liliosa. Liliosa died in the custody of the PC. (Source: Records in the TFDP Museum of Courage and Resistance)

The second aspect seemingly disregarded by the President in Ms. Sarmiento’s appointment is its symbolic character. Ms. Sarmiento, who comes from the PNP, is basically unacceptable to most of the victims and/or those who survived them. The board will be tainted with the presence of a representative from the Security Forces, members of which may be pinpointed for their role in human rights violations. Also, the processes of advancing restorative justice for and of the desired healing process to the victims may thus be adversely affected.

Representatives from the Security Forces cannot be part of the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board unless they individually were involved “in efforts against human rights violations committed during the regime of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos”. Members of the Claims Board are already being judged of their human rights performance during the Marcos regime, and not just of how each would work for the effective disbursement of compensation money.

President Benigno S. Aquino should immediately rectify the situation for the sake of the victims and their families. All the qualifications of the Claims’ Board members as enumerated by the law must be fulfilled in letter and in spirit.

PAHRA, for the sake of the victims and their families among their members and network, will monitor the activities of the Claims’ Board as well as offer assistance within the former’s capabilities.

May the implementation of RA 10358 enhance our dignity and obtain justice for us all.

Martial Law, Never Again.

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