CONFLICT AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

That this House welcomes progress in peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to end armed conflict and agree a socio-economic reform agenda; is concerned, however, about the recent suspension of unilateral ceasefires and hopes that constructive negotiations will continue; recognises that many Filipino migrants work in the UK health and care services and have been affected by the conflict, and that the UK is one of the largest investors in the Philippines; notes that impunity continues to be a considerable challenge in the Philippines, including in relation to thousands of extra-judicial killings committed in connection with the war on drugs, also described in Amnesty International's recent report as a war against the poor; is also alarmed about reports that the death penalty may be reintroduced, particularly given its previous use was marked by judicial irregularities and had a disproportionate impact on the poor; encourages the Government of the Philippines to move forward with a peace agreement with the National Democratic Front to implement the agreement signed in 2014 with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to release remaining political prisoners and to abide by its international human rights obligations more generally; and calls on the Government to support the peace talks and to raise its concerns about the war on drugs and the possible reintroduction of the death penalty in the Philippines.