Gov't should not ignore UN vote seeking report on PH human rights situation

MANILA - The government should not shrug off the United Nations' adoption of a resolution seeking a "comprehensive report" on the human rights situation in the Philippines, a rights group representative said Friday.

During its 41st regular session in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday, the rights body adopted Iceland's resolution seeking a report on the Philippines' human rights situation, including alleged drug killings.

A total of 18 member states voted yes, 14 no, and 15 abstained.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. had rejected the resolution, warning "there will be consequences."

• 'There will be consequences': Locsin questions validity of UN resolution on PH rights

"The majority of deaths are very questionable. It's like a copy-paste of deaths that they're doing. A template as we've been saying," Amnesty International human rights officer Wilnor Papa told ANC's Early Edition.

He was referring to drug suspects killed after allegedly resisting arrest.

• Over 6,000 killed in nearly 3 years of PH drug war: PNP

"How [many] more deaths is really required for the Philippines to say that it's enough?" he said.

It would be good for the Philippines to "cooperate" with the probe instead of issuing "veiled threats" against the United Nations, he said.