(Statement On the Occasion of the 59th Declaration of International Human Rights Day)
Life is the most precious gift that man has ever received from God. Man shares in the grace of the Divine Life and man’s image is created according to its Creator. Such likeness magnifies God’s goodness to man and no one has a right to put a sunder. This pristine dignity is inalienable to man. This is the HUMAN RIGHTS.
In times of peace and war, the dignity of human life must be promoted, defended and upheld against the forces that seek to destroy it. No political leader, government or group has any right to violate human rights, be it by breach or omission. Political killings and enforced disappearances have no place in a society governed by God, reason, and law. Such acts manifest the moral decay of a society that is consumed by greed. Man’s insatiable appetite for power and wealth unleashes the dark cons of man and will do anything for political survival.
International bodies, protocols and instrumentalities are created to ensure that these rights are guaranteed and protected. Countries like Philippines that signed the International Declaration of Human Rights must observe and implement in their governance and policies the measures necessary to safeguard the rights of the people. This is a non-negotiable and non-bending truth of democracy.
In the spirit of the commemoration of the Declaration of International Human Rights, I challenge all the political groups (CPP-NPA-NDF and GRP-AFP/PNP) of this country to observe at all times the INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS. There is a definite difference between combatants and non-combatants. The rule of law must triumph.
I condemn the perpetrators of extra-judicial killings (EJK) for they treacherously destroy life, families and society. The cycle of impunity must end. Justice must be restored and must strike the sensitivity of every man.
I reiterate the responsibility and culpability of the national government and its armed institutions in the promotion and defense of human rights. It is the duty of the state to ensure and safeguard human rights. It is noteworthy to re-evaluate the counter-insurgency program dubbed as Oplan Bantay Laya I and II as reflected in the final report of Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Prof. Philip Alston.
I enjoin all the faithful to pray for the victims of human rights violations in the country. May the course of justice find its way and the grace of God empowers us to work for justice and human rights so that peace may reign in this land.
In Christ,
MOST REV. ARTURO M. BASTES, SVD, DD
BISHOP OF SORSOGON
