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<p>We have not had discussions with the Philippine authorities on these specific
cases due to ongoing investigations. However, our Embassy in Manila continues to follow
developments closely in each case.</p><p>The UK remains concerned about reports of
human rights abuses in the Philippines, including the attacks on human rights and
labour rights campaigners. We consistently call on the Government of the Philippines
to ensure a safe environment for human rights defenders and encourage the Government
of the Philippines to prioritise the passage of the Human Rights Defenders Bill.</p><p>Through
our national statements at the UN Human Rights Council the UK has urged the Philippines
to conduct thorough investigations into killings associated with the war on drugs
and to ensure the safety of land rights defenders. We also work closely with our EU
partners to press for investigations into instances of abuse.</p><p>The Minister for
Asia and the Pacific raised our concerns with Philippines Ministers, including the
then Minister for Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano, during his visit to Manila
in August 2018. More recently, the Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to the Philippines
raised our concerns with Cabinet Secretaries in February. These messages were also
passed to Philippines Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Enrique Manalo during the
UK-Philippines High Level Talks that took place in Manila in November 2018.</p>
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