A/HRC/ 8/28 Page 5 10. Fifth, the Government’s commitment to human rights remains paramount, even amidst active insurgencies and other threats to national security. The Philippines has ongoing peace processes with two secessionist movements and three insurgent groups. The Government and the leftist rebels have reached an agreement, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. The Armed Forces of the Philippines have official policies and guidelines on the treatment of children involved in armed conflict and have incorporated provisions on human rights and international humanitarian law in the conduct of internal security operations. The Philippine Human Security Act of 2007 provides several safeguards against possible abuses by law enforcement agencies. The Philippines pursues a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy, integrating security, law enforcement, development and human rights. It should be noted that neither the independent Melo Commission in the Philippines, nor the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions have considered extrajudicial killings as a matter of State policy. As a result of Government efforts, in partnership with civil society, the incidence of extrajudicial killings drastically fell in 2007 by 83 percent. Last November, President Arroyo created the Interagency Task Force against Political Violence mandated to investigate, prosecute and punish all political violence, which has already achieved steps toward prosecuting and convicting perpetrators of such acts. The judiciary has also promulgated new rules to enhance human rights protection. The Writ of Amparo gives victims and their families the remedy of requiring agencies to give specific information on cases, as well as temporary protective measures, including witness protection. The Writ of Habeas Data was issued to complement the Writ of Amparo to assist any person whose right to privacy, life, liberty or security is violated or threatened. Relief includes the deletion, destruction or rectification of erroneous data or information. In addition to these measures taken by the Executive Branch and the courts, President Arroyo has prioritized bills and legislation providing for harsher penalties for political killings and the harshest penalties for rogues in uniforms. The President has also certified as urgent legislation to strengthen the Witness Protection Programme. 11. Finally, the Government recognizes that human rights promotion and protection is best pursued within proactive partnership networks that bring together domestic and international cooperation. One successful example is the partnership between the Government and a faith-based group (Gawad Kalinga) to provide low-cost housing for the poor. Another example is the Government’s party-list system that helps ideological groups and sectoral interests to achieve representation in the Philippine Congress. Currently, there are 21 party list representatives representing 15 parties. The Philippines legitimized the communist party through the repeal of the Anti-Subversion Law in 1992 and looks forward to working with all stakeholders in the near future in the framework of national consultations to formulate the second national human rights action plan and programme. The Philippines continues to work closely with other countries and regional and international organizations such as the European Union on human rights issues. The Philippines welcomed the expansion and deepening of human rights initiatives as a key pillar of international cooperation. 12. In responding to questions provided in advance, the Philippines recalled that the Constitution guaranteed the freedom of expression and assembly. The Public Assembly Act has been declared constitutional by the Supreme Court, including its limitations on this freedom for public order and safety and the requirement that police exercise maximum tolerance while keeping public order. The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP) monitors demonstrations and publicizes incidents. Local Governments have designated places where public demonstrations can be held without needing a permit. On freedom of expression, the Supreme Court has recently issued a directive that in cases of libel, punishment should be confined to the imposition fines rather than imprisonment. Concerning minors in detention, the Juvenile and Justice Act and the Welfare Act