MARAWI CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Davao Bureau) – In his most direct response yet to the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, Philippine Commission on Human Rights’ Commissioner Chito Gascon has this to say to President Rodrigo Duterte: respect and uphold the human rights of the terrorist group, Maute.

In an exclusive interview with The Adobo Chronicles, Gascon said that “there is a reason we call it ‘human rights;’ every human being has a right.”

Asked what he would recommend to Duterte to protect the Maute group’s human rights, Gascon said:

“First, the Philippine military should determine the number of Maute group members now operating in Marawi City, then match it with the same, equal number of government soldiers engaged in fighting the rebels.  It is unfair that there are more troops than the rebels.”

“Second, the government troops must not use bombs or other sophisticated military equipment because it puts the rebels at a great disadvantage.”

So there you have it.  Filipinos can truly rely on the Commission on Human Rights to look after everyone’s welfare — rebels or not.