London, Sept 15 (NNN-PNA) It was not in her schedule and neither was it a must for her to do so. But Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, determined to put a closure to the alleged human rights abuses under her administration, particularly the spate of extra-judicial killings in recent months, sought out officials of London-based Amnesty International (IT) Thursday and was pleased with the results.
It was the first time a head of state had sought out Amnesty International and the human rights advocacy group responded positively, according to Presidential Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye in an impromptu pre-departure briefing Thursday afternoon on the chartered Philippine Airlines jetliner that would take President Arroyo to Havana, Cuba.
Bunye said the three-man AI panel appreciated the fact that President Arroyo had taken time to explain to them what is actually happening in the country. The President, he said, briefed AI officials on the creation of the Melo Commission to investigate the spate of extra-judicial killings and informed them of the impending approval of the law granting compensation to the victims of human rights abuses during the Marcos regime.
"They responded positively and appreciated the fact that the President is the first head of state that has dealt with Amnesty International head on," Bunye said.
As President Arroyo listened intently, Bunye said, AI officials made some recommendations on how to deal with the issue, foremost of which is that the Melo Commission should operate with transparency and independence which, according to Bunye, is what the President really wants to happen.
The President, however, is not limiting the assistance coming from AI in dealing with the issue. According to Bunye, the Chief Executive is also looking at the proposal of Spain, Finland and Brussels which have all indicated their desire to send monitors to the Philippines.