By Cong B. Corrales Associate Editor A HUMAN rights group has scored the Aquino administration anew for its continuous disregarded of an international agreement it has inked with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. In an emailed statement yesterday, Cristina Palabay, secretary general of the Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights (Karapatan) denounced the dismal human rights record of the Aquino administration. “BS Aquino, during his presidential campaign, waved the flag of justice and human rights but only to gain votes. His fascist color came out as soon as he took the seat in Malacañang,” Palabay said. Palabay alleged that the entire state security agencies and even the judiciary have all been part of the “system that brings about extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, forced evacuations, and political prisoners.” Karapatan is an alliance of human rights organizations and programs, human rights desks and committees of people’s organizations, and individual advocates who have committed to defend and promote people’s rights and civil liberties. Palabay pointed out that human rights violations continue at an unprecedented rate even with the supposed restoration of democracy after the ouster of strongman Ferdinand Marcos. In March 16, 1998, the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (Carhrihl). The agreement aims to affirm and apply the principles of international humanitarian law in order to protect the civilians in the on-going armed conflict. However, Palabay alleged that national government has yet to comply to the provisions and stipulations of the agreement 18 years after its was signed by both parties. “This only proves that a mere change of presidents will not bring about just and lasting peace for the Filipino people,” said Palabay. Since the signing of the agreement, none of the remaining three substantive agenda in the peace negotiations has come near to an agreement.  These are the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms, Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms, and the Agreement on the End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces. “With all this election gaga, we still look forward for true representatives of the Filipino people who would be the voice of the oppressed and champions of human rights in the elite-dominated bureaucracy even as we continue to work for a truly just and democratic Philippines.” Palabay said.