• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Church leaders and human rights groups have expressed support for the newly-passed Bacolod City Human Rights Defender (HRD) ordinance, hailing it as a historic step toward protecting rights activists, community leaders, and victims of human rights abuses in Negros.
In a statement released through Caritas Bacolod Oct. 8, the Diocese of Bacolod commended the Sangguniang Panlungsod for passing the ordinance on third and final reading Sept. 30, and proponent-councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., chairperson of the SP Committee on Human Rights.
“We pray that the implementation of this ordinance will go beyond the words of legislation and become a living commitment of the city government and the people of Bacolod: that no person should be silenced, threatened, harassed, or persecuted simply for peacefully and lawfully standing for truth, justice, human dignity and the rights of others,” the church said.
Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN), in a statement, said that in a region where activists historically face threats and red-tagging, the ordinance establishes crucial legal channels to penalize human rights violations (HRVs), and provides essential services, including psychosocial aid for targets of intimidation.
“We also view positively the ordinance’s recognition and protection of human rights defenders and victims of HRVs, making accessible important services, such as psychosocial aid in response to threats and intimidations directed towards ordinary people and human rights defenders alike,” the group added.
The Human Rights Defenders Committee will be formed within 60 days of the ordinance’s effectiveness, following an assembly convened by the Committee on Human Rights chairman.
The committee is tasked with leading public awareness campaigns, investigating reported violations, and delivering direct support and monitoring services for victims. | TMD
