On this International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) and the United Against Torture Coalition (UATC) Philippines stand in solidarity with torture survivors in the Philippines and around the world. We remember those whose lives were taken and honor those who continue to bear the physical and emotional scars of torture. Their courage strengthens our collective call for truth, justice, and accountability.


In the Philippine context, torture remains a persistent and painful reality—particularly among the urban poor, Indigenous Peoples, persons deprived of liberty, and those accused in the so-called "War on Drugs." There is mounting evidence that many victims of extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration were subjected to torture before being executed. To this day, families of victims are left without justice, while many perpetrators remain free and unpunished.


Torture and ill-treatment are also deeply linked to the inhumane conditions in many jails, police lock-ups, and detention facilities across the country. Overcrowding, lack of access to healthcare, and poor sanitation continue to violate the dignity and basic rights of persons deprived of liberty. These conditions, in themselves, may amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment under international human rights standards.


These gross human rights violations must not be normalized, ignored, or erased from public memory. Torture is a crime under both Philippine and international law. The Anti-Torture Act of 2009 exists, but implementation remains weak, and impunity prevails.


These grave violations cannot be dismissed or forgotten. They must be investigated, perpetrators must be held accountable, and the victims and their families must be given justice.


We call on the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take bold and concrete steps to end the climate of impunity and uphold the country’s human rights commitments.


We urge the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the following actions:


Fully implement the Anti-Torture Act (RA 9745)

Ensure that torture cases are independently investigated, perpetrators prosecuted, and victims provided with rehabilitation and redress.


Establish the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM)

As a State Party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), the Philippines must establish an independent NPM to regularly monitor detention facilities and prevent abuse.


End extrajudicial killings and uphold accountability

The Marcos Jr. administration must publicly denounce summary killings, investigate allegations, and ensure that law enforcement upholds human rights standards.


Full implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (RA 9344)

To provide child centered and trauma-informed services for victim-survivors of torture and/or cruel, inhumane, degrading treatment or punishment.


Implement the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act (RA 10353)

Guarantee the effective implementation of this landmark law, which criminalizes enforced disappearance and upholds the right to truth, justice, and reparation for victims and their families.


Institutionalize a Compassionate Early Release Policy for Persons Deprived of Liberty who are terminally ill, permanently disabled or elderly

This policy would allow persons deprived of liberty suffering from terminal illness, permanent disability, or the effects of aging to access proper care—either in appropriate facilities or within the support systems of their families. Compassion must be a cornerstone of any just society.


Enact Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) Protection Act

The Philippine government must take urgent steps to pass the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act—a long-overdue measure that seeks to recognize, respect, and safeguard the rights and freedoms of HRDs across the country.


Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances (CPED)

Strengthening the country’s commitment to truth and accountability requires ratifying this key international treaty to close protection gaps and ensure justice for the disappeared.