In a bid to protect journalists, investigators, and witnesses involved in the investigation and coverage of the Maguindanao massacre, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Saturday it will explore the possibility of employing the rules on the writ of amparo.

“There are other interventions that must be urgently explored given the gravity of the crime committed and the breadth of the list of culpable persons,” Human Rights chairperson Leila de Lima said.

“Apart from administrative charges, preventive suspensions, and criminal prosecutions, the CHR proposes both the creation of an ad hoc, independent investigative commission, and a more creative but yet unexplored use of the rules on the writ of amparo,” she pointed out.

The writ of amparo is a legal remedy against violations and threats to the rights to life, liberty, and security perpetrated not only by government officials and employees but also by private individuals and entities.

The Supreme Court declared the legal conception of the writ in 2007.