Given the abundant and damning testimonies and findings in the Investigate PH report, our coalition takes the liberty of making the following recommendations.
First, we recommend that Canada end its policy of quiet diplomacy on the human rights situation in the Philippines.
Second, we recommend that the Department of Foreign Affairs issue a public statement expressing Canada's concern about the serious deterioration of human rights and the restriction of civic space in the Philippines.
Third, we recommend that the Minister of Foreign Affairs direct the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines to take immediate and concrete steps to implement Canada's guidelines for supporting human rights defenders, namely to meet with human rights defenders, to visit communities and organizations that are facing harassment, and to expedite the visa process for temporary settlement in Canada.
Fourth, we recommend that the Government of Canada suspend its support for policies and programs related to anti-terrorism and counter-insurgency programs, including military funding, training, co-operation and military sales in the Philippines.
Fifth, we recommend that the government investigate or request international agencies to investigate, and prosecute, senior officers who order, commit, or have assisted in extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations in the Philippines.
Finally, we recommend that the Government of Canada pressure the Duterte regime to resume peace talks between the New People's Army and the Government of the Philippines.
Thank you for your attention.