‘ROOT CAUSE’ | CHR pursues probe into alleged unjust abduction of IP rights advocates

October 10, 2023 , 01:51 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(October 10, 2023) – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday said its regional office has launched an independent probe into the case of three indigenous peoples’ (IP) rights advocates after progressive groups decried their alleged unjust abduction in Oriental Mindoro.

The CHR said its regional office in Mimaropa will maintain an objective approach to the case, noting the clashing claims from human rights groups and the military.

“We also continue to remind that only through inclusive dialogue and genuine understanding of those directly affected by issues can we build durable solutions that can address the root causes of conflict in IP communities,” said the CHR, reiterating its call for “transparency and cooperation from all parties involved.”

Last month, Alia Encela, Job David, and Peter Del Monte Jr. were reportedly taken by the 4th Infantry Battalion and the 203rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) of the Philippine Army in Bongabong. A cause-oriented group has since been formed to call for their release.

In its latest statement, the Release Job, Peter & Alia Network said the military forces have no basis to detain the three IP rights advocates because of the alleged lack of case filed against them.

“Magmula pa sa panahon ng kanilang pagkakahuli, iligal at walang pagkiling sa batas ang pagkakadetine ng tatlo dahil hayag na ipinagkakait sa kanila na sumailalim sila sa legal na proseso ng paglilitis,” said the network. “Litaw ang matinding paglabag ng 203rd IBde sa karapatang pantao ng tatlo.”

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army maintained the legality of the operation, denying any “forced disappearance because all protocols were followed throughout the operation.” Both the sides of human rights organizations and the military are quoted in the CHR’s media release.

“During the capture, they attempted to resist and reach for some objects inside their bags but upon seeing that they had been surrounded, decided to heed the soldier’s call not to move anymore,” said 203rd IBde commander Brigadier Gen. Randolph Cabangbang in a statement last week.

Reiterating its mandate, the CHR said it must investigate suspected cases of involuntary disappearance, highlighting the need to enforce the rule of law.

It noted the existence of Republic Act No. 10353 or the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012 but it stressed that the government must do more to properly implement this measure.

“The right to life, liberty, and security of all, regardless of political background, affiliations, and ideological beliefs, are fundamental rights that must be guaranteed by the State,” said the CHR.

The CHR also reiterated its stance against the use of illegal weapons.

“We maintain that no ideology, cause, or advocacy can justify the carrying and usage of illegal weapons that can breach fundamental rights,” said the CHR.

Since last month, the CHR has also been looking into the abduction of environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano, noting the “complexities” in their case. Castro and Tamano refuted the military’s narrative that they surrendered. State forces, however, stood by their position.

(PM)

Privacy Statement

Our Privacy Commitment

TV5 Network Inc. values and respects your privacy. We are committed to safeguarding your personal data in compliance with Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and its implementing rules and regulations.

We have developed a Privacy Policy that adopts and observes appropriate standards for personal data protection. While our Privacy Policy sets out the general principles governing the collection, use, and disclosure of our users’ personal information, our Privacy Commitment seeks to inform you more about TV5’s privacy practices.

Why do we collect your personal information (as applicable)?

We may collect and maintain basic information about you as site user of TV5 sites for the following purposes:

To deliver news and updates on current events, sports, esports and entertainment;
To share livestreams of news and sports events;
To understand our viewers’ needs and preferences;
To meet legal and regulatory requirements; and
To perform other processes or disclosures that are required to comply with pertinent laws, rules, or regulations.

Where do we get your personal information?

There are several ways we collect your personal information.

Information that you personally provided.

Most of the personal information we have are those that you have provided us when you:
- Register to our programs or services;
- Inquired, filed a complaint or requested for our services;
- Took part in our research and surveys; and/or
- Became our Partner, Vendor, Contractor or Supplier.

Information we collect during your engagement with us

We also collect information as you use our products and services, like:
- Viewing our websites;
- Activities that are being tracked by our website cookies;
- Calling our hotline;
- Using our apps, websites, and self-service channels and portals; and/or
- Joining our promos, prize raffles, or rewards and loyalty programs.

Information we collect from other sources

Other means of collection of information may be through:
- Our market research initiatives;
- When you visit and use our websites and mobile application; and
- Subsidiaries, affiliates, and third-party business partners to whom you have given consent to share your information to us.

When do we disclose personal information?

There may be instances when we are required to share the information you provided us. In such cases, we ensure that your personal information will be disclosed on a confidential manner, through secure channels and in compliance with the Data Privacy Act and other privacy laws.

We will never share, rent, or sell your personal information to third parties outside of TV5 except in special cases where you have given consent, and in cases described in our privacy policy.

In some instances, we may be required to disclose your personal information to our agents, subsidiaries, affiliates, business partners and other third-party agencies and service providers as part of our regular business operations and for the provision of our programs and services. This means we might share your information with our service providers, contractors, and professional advisers who help us provide our services.

How we protect your personal information

The integrity, confidentiality, and security of your information is important to us. We have implemented technical, organizational, and physical security measures that are designed to protect your information from unauthorized or fraudulent access, alteration, disclosure, misuse, and other unlawful activities.

We also put in effect the following safeguards:

We keep and protect your information using a secured server behind a firewall, encryption and security controls;
We keep your information only for as long as it is necessary for us to (a) provide the products and services that you avail from us, (b) for our legitimate business purposes, (c) to comply with pertinent laws, and (d) for special cases that will require the exercise or defense of legal claims;
We limit the access to your information only to qualified and authorized personnel who are trained to handle your information with strict confidentiality;
We undergo regular audits and rigorous testing of our infrastructure’s security protocols to ensure your data is always protected;
We promptly notify you and the National Privacy Commission when sensitive personal information that may, under the circumstances, be used to enable identity fraud are reasonably believed to have been acquired by an unauthorized person; and
We let you update your information securely to keep our records accurate.

TV5 will not collect, use, or disclose your personal information for any purpose other than the purpose that you may have given your consent for.

What are your choices?

We make sure that we have your consent to continue to collect, use, and disclose your personal information for the purposes that we have identified. We want you to know that you may object or withdraw your consent and/or edit your consent preferences at any time.

If you wish to have access to the personal information in our custody or if you think that the personal information you provided is incomplete, or otherwise inaccurate, you may get in touch with our Data Protection Officer through the contact details provided below. In some instances, we may request for supporting documents or proof before we effect requested changes.

Data Protection Officer
TV5 Network Inc.
Reliance corner Sheridan Streets
Mandaluyong City
tv5dataprivacy@tv5.com.ph

What happens when there are changes in our Policy?

From time to time, we may update our privacy policy and practices to comply with changes in applicable laws and regulatory requirements, adapt to new technologies and protocols, and align with the best practices of the industry.

You will be provided notices if the changes are significant and, if we are required by law, we will obtain your updated consent.