The country’s most active human rights group snapped back at Senator Allan Peter Cayetano’s accusation that civil libertarians have failed to condemn former president Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) last week.
In a retort to the senator’s question, Karapatan told Cayetano it is offended by such statements by politicians like him
“Sir, I am offended by statements of politicians like you. Human rights groups, including Karapatan, spoke up to WELCOME Duterte’s arrest,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay rejoined.
“I meant no offense to human rights activists. Nirerespeto ko kayo, but nagdurugo pa rin ang puso ko. Ba’t walang nagsalita sa inyo?” Cayetano, a Duterte ally, asked. (I respect you, but my heart still bleeds. Why hasn’t anyone heard from you?)
Duterte’s running mate in the 2016 presidential elections said he’d read that rights activists in the 80s and the 70s defend the rights of even the most odious criminals.
But Karapatan’s Palabay explained that legitimate human rights groups would put everything in context before commenting.
Palabay said it was Duterte who violated the rights of many victims under his “murderous rule.”
Duterte’s violations of fundamentals rights, including due process, have led to his arrest by the ICC, Palabay said.
“Palibhasa naaalala nyo lang ang ‘karapatan’ ninyo pag sinisingil na kayo. Eh ikaw, bakit di ka nagsalita at kumilos noong libong mahihirap ang pinatay. Nagdugo ba ang puso mo para sa kanila?,” Palabay flung back. (It is only because you are now being investigated that you remember your rights. You, why didn’t you say something when thousands were being killed? Did you heart bleed for them?)
The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, led by Senator Imee Marcos, today launched a probe into Duterte’s arrest last May 11. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
