Manila Puts Up Special Courts To Address Unabated Political Killings

Manila – The Philippine government on Monday said it would create special courts to hasten the investigations in extra-judicial killing cases in the country.

Chief Justice Reynato Puno said special courts would be put this week to help in the investigations.

“The action of Chief Justice of Reynato Puno to create special courts to hear cases of unexplained killings of an ideological nature is a solid step towards the ending the culture of violence and the violation of human rights by extremist elements,” Malacañang said in a statement.

It also urged relatives of victims and militant groups monitoring the murder cases to use this venue for airing their side so that the courts would have enough evidences in pursuing the charges against those responsible in the attacks.

“The creation of special courts shows the genuine sincerity of the government in solving militant slays in the country,” said Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.

Militant groups accused the military and police as behind these killings. Many of those killed were members of progressive groups opposed to Arroyo's rule. (With reports from the Mindanao Examiner and Philippine Information Agency)