The Bishop of Southwark received the following written answers on 22nd March 2021:
The Lord Bishop of Southwark asked Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the human rights situation in the Philippines, and (2) the impact of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (Republic Act No. 11479) on human rights in the Philippines.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con, FCDO): The UK remains concerned about reports of human rights abuses in the Philippines, including as part of the “war on drugs”, the treatment of some human and land rights defenders and journalists, and the ‘red-tagging’ of activists. We note with concern the killing of nine activists in joint Philippine police and military operations on 7 March.
The Minister of state for Asia raised human rights with Foreign Minister Locsin during his visit to Manila on 20 November. Embassy officials also regularly raise human rights concerns with the Philippine Government in Manila. I welcomed the adoption of a resolution on the Philippines at the UN Human Rights Council in October. We support the efforts of the Philippines and the UN to deliver this resolution by developing a technical assistance programme for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines. The UK recognises the threat of terrorism in the Philippines. It is important that terrorism legislation, particularly the Anti-Terrorism Act, is implemented in a way that respects human rights. We incorporate human rights education and advocacy in all our work with the Government of the Philippines, including with the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation. On 3 March, the Ambassador raised human rights with the chief of the Philippines’ National Police.
The Lord Bishop of Southwark asked Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support the rights of the Lumad indigenous people in the Philippines.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains concerned about reports of arbitrary arrest and the ‘red-tagging’ of indigenous people and activists in the Philippines. We have not had specific discussions with the Philippine authorities on the arrest and detention of students and teachers in Cebu on 15 February, however the British Embassy in Manila continues to monitor developments closely. The Minister for Asia raised human rights with Foreign Minister Locsin during his visit to Manila on 20 November. Embassy officials also regularly raise human rights concerns with the Philippine Government in Manila.
The Lord Bishop of Southwark asked Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made as a member of the UN Human Rights Council about the exercise of human rights in the Philippines.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains concerned about reports of human rights abuses in the Philippines, including as part of the “war on drugs”, the treatment of some human and land rights defenders and journalists, and the ‘red-tagging’ of activists. We note with concern the killing of nine activists in joint Philippine police and military operations on 7 March.
The Minister for Asia raised human rights with Foreign Minister Locsin during his visit to Manila on 20 November. Embassy officials also regularly raise human rights concerns with the Philippine Government in Manila. I welcomed the adoption of a resolution on the Philippines at the UN Human Rights Council in October. We support the efforts of the Philippines and the UN to deliver this resolution by developing a technical assistance programme for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines.
The UK recognises the threat of terrorism in the Philippines. It is important that terrorism legislation, particularly the Anti-Terrorism Act, is implemented in a way that respects human rights. We incorporate human rights education and advocacy in all our work with the Government of the Philippines, including with the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation. On 3 March, the Ambassador raised human rights with the chief of the Philippines’ National Police.
The Lord Bishop of Southwark asked Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of the Philippines about the arrest and detention of Lumad students and teachers from the University of San Carlos-Talamban on 15 February.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains concerned about reports of arbitrary arrest and the ‘red-tagging’ of indigenous people and activists in the Philippines. We have not had specific discussions with the Philippine authorities on the arrest and detention of students and teachers in Cebu on 15 February, however the British Embassy in Manila continues to monitor developments closely. The Minister for Asia raised human rights with Foreign Minister Locsin during his visit to Manila on 20 November. Embassy officials also regularly raise human rights concerns with the Philippine Government in Manila.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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