The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said on Saturday that it has started probing the death threats against martial law survivor and playwright Bonifacio "Boni" Ilagan, to remind the state of its responsibility under the law to stop the same abuses during the Marcos dictatorship to repeat in this times.
With such, Ilagan has received a threat from an anonymous person who introduced himself as someone who "belonged to a unit" who was ordered to "wipe out communists" telling him to "desist" from his activities.
In response, the CHR turned down the threats against Ilagan whom they recognized as someone “whose works are critical of the rights abuses committed during the martial law period.”
According to the CHR, it stands against any form of intimidation, harassment, and the threat of life, assaulting people's freedom and dignity.
The CHR referenced Ilagan's past, in which he was tortured under the leadership of the President's father and namesake, who is now chaired by Richard Palpal-latoc, who was chosen by President Marcos last year.
In accordance with the Constitution and the Philippines' adherence to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the CHR reminded the national government of its obligations.
The CHR asserts that preventing the repetition of abuses that occurred during the martial law era is the government's "sole obligation."
