Manila, Philippines (AHN) - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday said her administration is on the right track in solving the political killings in the country which have embarrassed her government.
In a statement, Arroyo said, "I have made it a top priority to resolve the killings of political and agrarian activists and of members of the media and to prevent further killings."
"I am confident that we are on the right course," she added.
She also expressed gratitude over the concern issued by United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney early Tuesday saying the Bush administration wants to see the perpetrators of the political killings be brought to justice.
In an interview with reporters during the launch of the Task Force on Anti-Trafficking in Persons at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Keeney declared, "We are concerned. We take extrajudicial killings or murders seriously throughout the world. Human rights are critical to every country that is a democracy."
She said, "I think the important thing now is the government of the Philippines has put together some very good ideas. Let's get them into action."
Arroyo adds, "We appreciate the supportive words of Ambassador Kenney that the government is on the right direction on this issue."
"The implementation of the key recommendations of the Melo Commission Report is proceeding accordingly and we shall inform the public of important developments from time to time," Arroyo adds.
She said she had directed the commission on Human Rights to act on the Melo Commission report to bring to end the embarrassing issue.
Arroyo also cited her proposal to the Supreme Court to establish special courts and for the Department of Foreign Affairs to request technical assistance from the European Union and other independent bodies for the investigation of the killings.
Chief Justice Reynato Puno said two weeks ago that the high court would set up the special courts "as soon as possible."
