The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has cited the seriousness of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in putting an end to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in the country, as evidenced by the decrease in the number of cases last year.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Cruz Jr., AFP Civil Relations Service (CRS) commander, met with Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Leila de Lima last week at the CHR office in Quezon City to discuss human rights issues affecting both agencies and to cultivate a closer coordination in the ground between the AFP and the CHR.

De Lima said: “While there remain reports about human rights violations, which are still under validation. I am glad that for the year 2009, there was a very dramatic reduction in cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.”

Cruz assured the CHR that the AFP is one with the Commission in upholding life and human rights.

"We will work hand-in-hand with the CHR to find new and long-term solutions to problems relating to human rights; and we volunteered support to Barangay Human Rights Action Center (BHRAC) and for CRSAFP Group Commanders to engage with CHR Regional Directors.”

Both parties also agreed that the AFP, through the CRS, will submit report to the CHR on any violation of human rights as relayed from the field or that the AFP has knowledge and cognizance of.

De Lima also remarked that the CHR has issued two advisories against the CPP-NPA’s extortion schemes; as well as press statements related to elections; one of which condemned the NPA ambush on government troops escorting Board of Election Inspectors and poll watchers in Compostela Valley which resulted to the deaths of two soldiers and two CAFGUS, a BEI, and poll watcher.