Philippine report cites drop in violence

MANILA, Philippines, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Friday called the Melo Commission a success after a report citing an 83 percent drop in political violence.

The five-person Melo Commission created in August 2006 and chaired by retired justice Jose Melo has been tasked with the investigation of extrajudicial killings in the country. Officials say government efforts to stop the violence achieved significant progress with an 83 percent drop in political violence after the creation of the Melo Commission, the Philippine government reported.

"Closer to home, significant progress has been made in our fight against political violence," Macapagal-Arroyo said in a statement. "In less than a year since we authorized the Melo Commission and followed up on its recommendations, we have seen an 83 percent drop in violence against political activists and journalists."

A recent report released by the Philippine Department of Interior and Local Government cited seven politically motivated killings 2007, compared with 41 in 2006 as listed by the Philippine National Police.

Despite the successes, Macapagal-Arroyo called for continued vigilance in investigations from the Melo Commission.

"We will not be satisfied until every last incidence of violence has stopped and every criminal prosecuted and put behind bars. We must stop the legacy of violence and start a new era of political harmony."