Terrorism, human rights to be discussed during US State Secretary’s visit
THE Philippine government is expected to discuss terrorism and human rights with visiting US State Department officials led by its Secretary Rex W. Tillerson, who are expected to arrive in Manila anytime between August 5 to 8.
“Discussions on the issue of human rights are always included in our engagements with foreign governments, in particular with Western democracies,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday. ““The Philippines is the oldest democracy in Asia and respect for human rights is a shared valued especially with our treaty ally, the United States.”
In a White House briefing on August 1, Mr. Tillerson said that his visit will also highlight the pressing issue of human rightsm one of the central concerns under President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s administration, Mr. Tillerson said.
The delegation will also bring up the threat of ISIS presence in the Philippines and other Asia-Pacific countries, including the situation and rehabilitation of the besieged Marawi City, a small portion of which remains occupied by ISIS-inspired local terrorist Maute group.
The US visit will be held in connection with the meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) members in Manila.
The DFA said that it “understands that it is part of their [US] duty as government officials to talk about human rights, not only with the Philippines but with the rest of the world, because they are accountable to their Congress and their press as they advance their values and interests.”
In July, the US Congress conducted a hearing on the human rights consequences of Mr. Duterte’s bloody drug war, in which US Congress’ members frowned upon the idea of Mr. Duterte setting foot in the US.
The department said that it believes that “no country has a perfect human rights situation.” Thus, it sees the US’ visit as an “opportunity to address their concerns and correct the perceptions they may have gleaned from exaggerated media reports.”
As of press time, no announcement has been made yet when is the exact date of the US delegation’s arrival. — Jil Danielle M. Caro
