SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF T H E  
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REPUBLIC OF TH E PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
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SENATE
S. B. No. 1 1 4 2
(e,‘t.r, of the> rr
’e ^ rrrrt.T tjj
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SEP 14 
P I :40
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INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ANA TFIERESIA “RISA” HONTIVEROS 
_____________________________ BARAQUEL_____________________________
AN ACT PROTECTING TH E  RIGHTS OF INTERNALLY 
DISPLACED PERSONS AND PENALIZING TH E  ACTS OF 
ARBITRARY INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT
EXPLANATORY NOTE
There is none so tragic as to be a refugee in one’s own countiy - forced to flee the comforts 
and familiarity of home, and constantly living under threat and vulnerability. That one 
remains within national borders provides no succon the effects of forced relocation can be 
as traumatizing and as debilitating as being made to flee one’s country. In fact, In some cases, 
internal displacement can be worse because, unlike in the situation of international refugees, 
the absence of a specific legal regime to govern internally displaced persons (IDPs) hampers 
the efficient delivery of humanitarian efforts and quick government interventions.
This, despite the fact that internal displacement - referring to “the involuntary movement 
or forced evacuation or expulsion of any person or group of persons who flee or leave their 
homes or places of habitual residence, within the national borders, as a result of or in order 
to avoid or minimize the effects of amied conflict, situations of generalized and/or 
organized violence, violations of human rights, implementation of development projects, 
natural, human-induced and human-made hazards” - are common occurrences In the 
Philippines, this Is often brought about by long-standing insurgencies, and man-made 
calamities.
Involuntary displacement is a serious social problem that needs to be addressed as it results 
in loss of lives and properties, psychological trauma, family disintegration, disruption in 
education, loss of employment, anarchy, over-all vulnerability, and the like.
This bill, which aims to promote and protect the rights of internally displaced persons 
(IDPs), fulfills the policy of the state to promote the dignity of every person. IDPs should 
not be considered merely as “collateral damage” of armed conflict or other humanitarian 
emetyencies.
This “Rights of Internally Displaced Persons Act” has the following main features:
a) 
It details all the rights and entitlements of IDPs.
b) 
It provides a mechanism where IDPs could be awarded damages for prohibited acts 
of arbitrary internal displacement.
c) 
It sets up a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee & inter-agency coordinating 
committee that would monitor compliance with this Act.


d) 
It establishes the Q>mmission on Human Rights (CHR) as the institutional focal 
point for IDPs.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SEN. ANA THERESIA “RISA” HONTIVEROS BARAQUEL


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF T H E  ) 
REPUBLIC OF TH E PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
(ih
(Sifirt of thct>rfTpfar|j
•16 
SEP 14 P 1 :39
SENATE 
S. B. No. 
1 1 4 2
R FCL I -  I riy :
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ANA THERESIA “RISA” HONTIVEROS
BARAQUEL
“AN ACT
PROTECTING T H E  RIGHTS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED 
PERSONS AND PENALIZING T H E  ACTS OF ARBITRARY 
INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT”
Be it enacted by the Senate and I louse of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
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SEC 1. Short Title. -  This Act shall be known as the “Rights of Internally Displaced
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Persons Act”.
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Principles and State Policies. -  Consistent with the principles
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enshrined in the Constitution, the standards set by international humanitarian law and
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human rights laws, international treaties and conventions adhered to by the Philippines,
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including the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (UNGPID), and
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existing Philippine laws, such as the “Philippine Act on Crimes Against International
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Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Grimes Against Humanity7’ (R.A 9851) and the
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“Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992” (R.A 7279), it is also hereby declared a
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State policy to adopt a rights-based approach for the promotion and protection of the rights
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of internally displaced persons in situations of armed conflict, generalized and/or organized
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violence, clan wars, violations of human rights, implementation of development projects,
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natural, human-induced and human-made hazards.
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In the event of armed conflict, the parties shall ensure the promotion and protection
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of the rights of the victims of armed conflict in accordance with international humanitarian
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law and international human rights laws.
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Hie State shall harmonize all legal measures pertinent to “Internally Displaced
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Persons or group of persons” (IDPs), and ensure that such are consistent with this law.
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SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. -  As used in this Act:
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a. 
Apartheid refers to inhumane acts committed in the context of an
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institutionalized regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group or
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groups and committed with the intention of maintaining that regime.
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b. 
A rhitrar\ internal displacement refers to act of displacement or any other coercive
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act committed by any person or group/s of persons and directed against the civilian
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population, which are contrary to law, good morals, public order or public policy, or
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committed with abuse of authority, oppressive or wanton disregard of the right to life,
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liberty or property and abode of the residents of an area in which they are lawfully present,
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and characterized by those situations as defined in Section 6 of this Act.
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c. 
Clan lV/ ar refers to any conflict that may arise between members of different
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indigenous groups, indigenous cultural communities or clans, or between and among
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members of the same indigenous group, cultural community or clan.
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d. 
lithnic cleansini!^ refers to the act of rendering an area ethnically homogenous by
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using force or intimidation to remove from a given area persons of another ethnic or
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religious group.
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e. 
Generalis^ed and fo r oryanis^d violence refers to the purposeful and systematic use of
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terror and brutality to control individuals, groups and communities, through the use of
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overwhelming force, and characterized by widespread, massive or sufficient intensity,
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causing arbitrary internal displacement of persons or communities.
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Its methods include causing severe pain and suffering, killing, intimidating,
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threatening, and in some cases, destroying a community, ethnic group or political opposition.
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f. 
Implementation of development projects refers to the carrying out of any undertaking or
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activity aimed at economic or political growth, advancement and expansion that results or
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may result to arbitrary internal displacement of persons: Provided, That the term does not
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Include legitimate resettlement schemes and/or programs.
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g. 
Internal displacement refers to the involuntary or coerced movement or relocation
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of persons, families, or communities from their areas of habitual abode and source of
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substance within the national borders, as a result of or in order to avoid or minimize the
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effects of armed conflict, situations of generalized and/or organized violence, violations of
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human rights, implementation of development projects, natural, human-induced and human-
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made hazards.
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h. 
Internally displaced person or yroup of persons (IDP), refers to any person or group
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of persons who has or have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes or places
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of habitual residence within the national borders, as a result of or in order to avoid or


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minimize the effects of armed conflict, situations of generalized and/or organized violence, 
violations of human rights, implementation of development projects, natural, human- 
induced and human-made hazards.
i. 
Order of Wattle I  Watch list refers to a document or an organizational tool used by
mihtaiy or law enforcement agencies that, inter alia, lists persons or organizations perceived 
as being hostile to the State, the Government or the Armed or Police Forces”, or to 
any document made by non-state actors, whether natural or juridical, listing the names of 
persons and organizations, that are perceived to be obstacles, in any way, to such non-state 
actor, and making those in such list vulnerable to arbitrary internal displacement.
SEC. 4. Scope. -  This Act shall primarily provide for the protection of rights of IDPs 
during and after displacement, as well as their return, local integration or resettlement 
elsewhere. This Act shall likewise cover arbitrary internal displacement of civilians as a result 
of or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of generalized and/or 
organized violence, violations of human rights, implementation of development projects, 
natural, human-induced and human-made hazards.
To address the risks involved in natural hazards and the over-all impact of climate 
change and global warming on the rights of those who are internally displaced, due reference 
shall be made to the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 9729, otherwise known as the 
Climate Change Act of 2009 and Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known as the 
Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
SEC. 5. Primary Duty to Protect the IDPs. -  National authorities have the primary duty 
and responsibility to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to internally displaced 
persons within their jurisdiction. As such. State authorities, including local government units 
(LGUs) and parties to an armed conflict, irrespective of their legal status and applied without 
any adverse distinction, shall respect and ensure compliance with their obligations under 
international law, including human rights law and humanitarian law, so as to prevent and 
avoid conditions that might lead to arbitrary^ internal displacement of persons.
SEC. 6. Prohibited Acts of Arbitrary Internal Displacement. -  The prohibited acts of 
arbitrary internal displacement shall include those committed:
a) based on policies of apartheid, ethnic cleansing, or similar practices aimed at 
or resulting in altering the ethnic, religious or racial composition of the 
affected population;


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b) in situations of armed conflict, unless the safety and security of civilians
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are involved or imperative military reasons so demand;
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c) in cases of development projects, which are not justified by compelling and
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overriding public interest and with proper implementation of return, local
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integration or resettlement elsewhere of affected IDPs;
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d) in cases of natural, human-induced and human-made hazards, unless the
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safety and health of those affected require their evacuation;
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e) when used as a form of collective punishment;
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f) in cases of clan wars, unless the safety and security of those civilians not
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involved in the conflict are endangered;
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g) in cases of police and law enforcement operations or “raids” on entire
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communities ostensibly for crime-fighting, in violation of the right to due
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process and the presumption of innocence, and
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h) in violation of the rights of IDPs granted under Section 9, paragraphs b and g
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of this Act, and
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i) 
in cases where there is malice, bad faith, gross negligence or in any manner
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causes willful violation of the rights granted under Section 9, paragraphs a, c,
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d, e and f of this Act.
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An O rder of Battle or any document of similar nature issued by the military or any
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law enforcement agency of the government shall not justify arbitrary internal displacement
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and shall subject the perpetrators to the penalties provided under Section 13 of this Act.
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SEC. 7. Safeguards against Arbitrary Internal Displacement. -  If displacement is inevitable
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under circumstances beyond control that pose hazardous risks to lives and properties of
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persons living in communities, displacement shall not be carried out in a manner that
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violates the rights to life, liberty, dignity, security, and property of those affected, irrespective
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of their legal status and applied without any adverse distinction.
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All concerned authorities, groups and persons shall observe the following safeguards
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against arbitrary internal displacement:
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a) All feasible alternatives shall be explored in order to avoid displacement.
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Where no alternative exists, all measures shall be undertaken to niiilirnize
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displacement and its adverse effects on the population that will be affected;
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b) If displacement is inevitable, the authorities, pursuant to their respective
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mandates and functions, shall ensure, to the greatest practicable extent, that
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proper accommodation is effected in satisfactory conditions of safety.


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nutrition, water and sanitation, health and hygiene, and that members of the
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same family, especially women and children, are not separated;
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c) Indigenous peoples, minorities, peasants, pastoralists, persons with disabilities
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(PWDs) and other groups with special dependency on and attachment to their
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lands shall be protected from arbitrary internal displacement, in accordance
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with Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous People’s
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Rights Act of 1997; and
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d) In situations other than during the emergency stages of armed conflicts
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and hazards, the following guarantees shall be complied with:
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1. a specific decision shall be taken by the authority empowered by law to
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order such measures;
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2. full disclosure of information on the reasons and procedures for the
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displacement and when applicable, also on financial assistance and
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relocation;
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3. free and informed consent of those persons to be displaced shall be
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sought;
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4. authorities concerned shall endeavor to involve those affected,
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particularly women, children, elderly persons, and PWDs, in the
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planning and management of their 
return, local integration 
or
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resettlement elsewhere;
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5. law enforcement measures, when required, shall be carried out by
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competent legal authorities; and
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6. the right to an effective remedy, including the review of such decisions
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by appropriate judicial authorities, shall be respected.
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SEC. 8. Permanent Prohibition Against Arbitrary Internal Displacement. -  The prohibition
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on arbitrary internal displacement and the fundamental safeguards for its prevention shall
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not be suspended under any circumstance, including political instability, threat of war, state
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of war or other public emergencies.
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SEC, 9. Rights During and After Displacement. -  Pursuant to the provisions of the Bill of
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Rights under Article III of the Philippine Constitution, the following rights shall be afforded
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to IDPs during and after their displacement, without discrimination of any kind, such as
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those based on race, color, sex, language, religion or belief, political or other opinion.


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national, ethnic or social origin, legal or social status, age, disability, property, birth, lack of 
tenurial claim, or on any other similar criteria:
a) Provision and Access to Basic Necessities. -  At the minimum, regardless of the 
circumstances, and without discrimination, and with special attention to 
gender sensitivity and vatying vulnerabilities competent authorities shall 
provide IDPs with and ensure safe access to:
1. essential and adequate food and nutrition and potable water,
2. basic shelter and housing, in conformity with the “National Building 
Code of the Philippines” (KA 6541);
3. appropriate clothing; and
4. essential medical and dental services and sanitation, including 
psychological and social services and essential dmgs and medicines;
Competent authorities shall also provide due respect to the cultural sensitivities and 
religious beliefs of certain IDPs, in the provision of the aforementioned necessities.
b) Protection Against Criminal Offenses and Other Unlawful Acts. -
1. It shall be prohibited to commit any of the following acts against IDPs 
in all circumstances:
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ii.
iii.
IV.
murder, 
hostage-taking;
summary or arbitrary execution and enforced disappearance, 
including abduction or unacknowledged detention, threatening 
or resulting in death; and 
unlawful confinement;
2. Attacks or other acts of violence against IDPs who do not or no longer 
participate in hostilities shall be prohibited in all circumstances, without 
prejudice to being held liable for any offense committed by them. In 
particular, IDPs shall be protected against:
i. 
direct or indiscriminate attacks or other acts of violence, 
including the creation of areas wherein attacks on civilians are 
permitted;
starvation as a method of combat;
their being used to shield military objectives from attack, or to 
shield, favor or impede the operations of the military, police or 
any armed group;
attacks against any evacuation center, facility, encampment or 
other settlements; and 
use of anti-personnel landmines;
u.
iii.
IV.
V.


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3. IDPs, whether or not their liberty has been restricted, shall be 
protected in particular against:
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rape and other outrages upon personal dignity, such as forced 
prostitution, trafficking of persons, any act of gender-specific 
violence, or any form of indecent assault;
mutilation, tomire, cmel, inhumane or degrading treatment or 
punishment;
any form of violence against children, such as trafficking, forced 
labor or sexual exploitation and other violations of children’s 
rights;
iv. 
slavery or any contemporary form of slavery, such as sale into 
marriage, sexual exploitation or forced labor of children; and
v. 
acts of violence intended to spread terror among IDPs.
Threats and incitement to commit any of the foregoing acts under paragraph b, 
subsections 1) and 3) herein shall be prohibited;
4. IDPs shall not be interned in or confined in any evacuation center, 
facility, encampment 
or other settlements. 
If in exceptional 
circumstances such internment or confinement is necessary, it shall not 
last longer than what is required by the circumstances, as may be 
determined by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), in close 
coordination and consultations with the military and law enforcement 
agencies conducting operations, and other concerned agencies of the 
government; and
5. IDPs shall be protected against discriminatory practices of recruitment 
into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), law enforcement 
agencies or any anned group as a result of their displacement. In 
particular, any cruel, inhumane or degrading practice that compel 
compliance or punish non-compliance with recmitment shall be 
prohibited in all circumstances;
C. 
Freedom of Movement. -
1. Every IDP has the right to liberty of movement and the right to move 
freely in and out of any evacuation center, encampment or other 
settlements, subject to its existing rules and regulations;
2. IDPs, whether or not they are living in an evacuation center, 
encampment or other settlements, shall not be discriminated against in 
the enjoyment of the following rights:


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to enjoy freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, 
opinion and expression;
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to seek freely opportunities for employment and to participate 
in economic activities;
iii. 
to associate freely and participate equally in community affairs;
iv. 
to vote and participate in governmental and public affairs, 
including the right to have access to the means necessary to 
exercise these rights; and
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to communicate in a language they understand;
3 IDPs have the right to:
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seek safety in another part of the country,
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leave the country,
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seek asylum in another country, and
iv. 
be protected against forcible return to resettlement in any 
place where their lives, safety, liberty and/or health would be at 
risk;
Recoi^nition, Issuance and Replacement of Documents.
1. The authorities concerned shall issue to the IDPs all documents 
necessary for the enjoyment and exercise of their legal rights. In 
particular, these authorities shall facihtate the issuance of new 
documents or the replacement of documents lost in the course of 
displacement, without imposing unreasonable conditions and without 
discrimination against men and women, who shall have equal rights to 
obtain and to be issued the same in their own names;
2. Within a reasonable time, the pertinent national authorities, in close 
collaboration with the LGUs exercising territorial jurisdiction over the 
affected area/s shall establish a “one-stop shop” for all documentation 
and registration needs of IDPs, which shall be set up at a convenient 
location for IDPs, such as an evacuation center.
Family Unity and Missins> Persons. -
1. Members of internally displaced families who wish to remain together 
shall be allowed to do so. Families that are separated by displacement 
and whose personal liberty have been restricted by internment or 
confinement in any evacuation center, facility, encampment or other 
settlements should be reunited immediately, with appropriate measures 
taken to expedite the reunion, particularly when children are involved;
2. The State shall encourage cooperation among international and local 
humanitarian organizations engaged in the task of family reunification;
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3. The authorities concerned shall endeavor to establish the fate and 
whereabouts of IDPs reported missing and cooperate with relevant 
international organizations engaged in this task. They shall inform the 
next-of-kin on the progress of the investigation and notify them of any 
result;
4. The authorities concerned shall endeavor to collect and identify the 
mortal remains of the deceased, prevent their despoliation or 
mutilation and facilitate the return of those remains to the next-of-kin 
or dispose of them respectfully,
5. Competent authorities shall also provide due respect to cultural 
sensitivities and religious beliefs of certain IDPs, in the care and 
disposition of the deceased; and
6. Grave sites of IDPs shall be protected and respected in all 
circumstances and shall have the right of access to the grave sites of 
their deceased relatives;
f. 
/ lealth and I iducation. -
1. Certain IDPs, such as children, especially unaccompanied minors, 
expectant mothers, mothers with young children, female heads of 
households, persons with disabilities, elderly persons and other 
vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalized groups or individuals shall 
be entitled to protection and assistance required by their condition and 
to treatment which takes into account their special needs;
2. All wounded and sick IDPs, as well as those with disabilities, shall 
receive to the fullest extent practicable and with the least possible delay 
the medical care and attention they require, without distinction on any 
ground other than the medical ones. IDPs shall have access to 
psychological and social services and such other forms of assistance 
necessary for them;
3. Special attention shall be paid to the health needs of women, including 
access to comprehensive female health care services, to be provided 
whenever 
feasible by female health care providers, as well as 
appropriate counseling and other services for victims of sexual and 
other abuses;
4. Special attention shall also be given to the prevention of contagious 
and infectious diseases, including AIDS, among IDPs; and


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5. The authorities concerned shall ensure that IDPs, in particular,
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displaced children, receive education that shall be free and compulsory
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at the primary level. Special efforts shall be made to ensure the full and
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equal participation of women and girls in educational programs, and
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that respect for their cultural identity, language and religion,
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educational and training facilities shall be made available to them as
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soon as circumstances permit; and
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g. 
Property and Possessions. -  The property and possessions of IDPs shall, in all
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circumstances, be protected against the following acts:
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1. pillage or looting;
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2. direct and indiscrirninate attacks or other acts of violence;
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3. being used to shield military operations or objectives;
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4. being made the object of reprisal;
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5. being destroyed or appropriated as a form of collective punishment;
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and
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6. destruction, arbitrary and illegal appropriation, occupation or use.
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The LG U  exercising territorial jurisdiction over the affected area/s, with the
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assistance of the National Government, shall endeavor to facilitate the transportation of
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such property and possessions of IDPs, in a safe and secure area, during and after
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displacement, subject to logistical considerations.
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The rights and obligations herein shall not be interpreted as restricting, modifying or
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impairing the provisions of any international human rights or international humanitarian law
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or rights granted to persons under domestic law.
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SEC. 10. Assistance During Displacement of IDPs. -  The primary duty and responsibility
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for providing humanitarian assistance to IDPs lie with national authorities, in close
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collaboration with the LGUs exercising territorial jurisdiction over the affected area/s. As
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such, the military and law enforcement agencies conducting operations, the Department of
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Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), the local
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government hospitals, the LGUs concerned and other appropriate government agencies
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shall provide immediate relief and humanitarian assistance to IDPs, families and
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communities.
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Humanitarian assistance to IDPs shall not be diverted for any political or military
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reason. All authorities concerned shall grant and facilitate the free passage of humanitarian
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assistance to the internally displaced and ensure rapid, safe and unimpeded access of persons
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engaged in giving such assistance, their transport and supplies to the displaced communities. 
They shall not be the objects of attack or other acts of violence.
All concerned authorides shall assist the IDPs in the recovery of their property and 
possessions, and shall provide or assist these persons in obtaining appropriate financial 
assistance or other fomis of just reparation.
SEC. 11. \iarly Recovery Plan. - The LGUs exercising territorial jurisdiction over the 
affected area/s shall craft an early recovery plan, in coordination with the IDPs, which may 
include the putting up of specific infrastructure for evacuation.
SEC. 12. Return, \jocal Integration or Resettlement Iilsewhere. -  Competent authorities, 
such as the military and law enforcement agencies conducting operations, the DSWD, the 
DOH, the local government hospitals, the LGUs concerned and other appropriate 
government agencies, shall have the primary duty and responsibility to establish conditions 
and provide means for IDPs to return voluntarily, in safety and with dignity, to their homes 
or places of habitual residence, or to resettle voluntarily in places of refuge and/or in 
another part of the country, taking into consideration the right of IDPs to choose a 
residence, and with due respect for the cultural heritage and traditions of Indigenous 
Peoples.
Said authorities, including the CHR, shall likewise ensure prior consultations and the 
full participation of IDPs, during and after the planning and management of their return, 
local integration or resettlement elsewhere.
SEC. 13. 
Mechanisms for International / lumanitarian Assistance. -  International 
humanitarian organizations, their local counterparts and other appropriate actors shall have 
the right to offer their services, including humanitarian assistance, in support of the 
internally displaced. These acts shall be considered done in good faith and not as unfriendly 
acts or interference in the internal affairs of the government. Consent thereto shall not be 
arbitrarily withheld, particularly when authorities concerned are unable or unwilling to 
provide the required humanitarian assistance.
When providing assistance to IDPs, said oi^anizations shall respect relevant domestic 
laws, international standards and codes of conduct. They shall give due regard to the 
protection of the needs and human rights of the IDPs.
The importation and donation of food, clothing, medicine and equipment necessary 
for relief and assistance of IDPs are hereby authorized in accordance with Section 105 of the
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Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, as amended, as regards national internal
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revenue taxes and import duties of national and local government agencies, and the
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prevailing provisions of the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
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SEC. 14. Penalties. -
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a. The penalty of reclusion temporal in its minimum to medium period shall be imposed
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upon any person or group of persons who commit the following:
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1. Those who directly commit the act of arbitrary^ internal displacement;
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2. Those who directly force, instigate, encourage, induce or incite others
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to commit the act of arbitrary internal displacement;
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3. Those who cooperate in the act of arbitrary internal displacement by
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committing another act, without which the act of arbitrary internal
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displacement would not have been carried out;
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4. Those who cooperated in the execution of the act of arbitrary internal
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displacement by previous or simultaneous acts; and
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5. Those commanding officers of the military, police or other law
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enforcement agencies or other authorities, for acts of arbitraiy internal
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displacement committed by forces under their effective command and
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control, or effective authority and control as the case may be, as a
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result of their failure to exercise proper control over such forces, where
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the commanding officers or authorities knew or, owing to the
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circumstances at the time, should have known that the forces were
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committing or about to commit such crimes, and failed to take all
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necessary and reasonable means within their power to prevent or
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repress their commission, or to submit the matter to competent
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authorities for investigation and prosecution.
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6. In case the acts of arbitrary internal displacement are committed by a
28 
corporation or a juridical entity, the members of the Board of
29 
Directors who were present in the meeting and who actually voted for
30 
the approval of the resolution or order directing the commission of
31 
arbitrary internal displacement, and the corporate officers or agents
32 
who carried out such resolution or order of the corporation shall each
33 
be criminally liable.
34 
b. 
The penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period shall be imposed upon
35 
those who attempt to commit the offense of arbitrary internal displacement.
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c. 
The penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period shall be imposed upon 
persons who, having knowledge of the act of arbitrary internal displacement and without 
having participated therein, either as principals or accomplices, took part subsequent to its 
commission by any of the following acts:
1. By themselves profiting from or assisting the offender to profit from 
the effects of the act of arbitrary internal displacement;
2. By concealing the act of arbitrary internal displacement and/or 
destroying the effects or instmments thereof, in order to prevent its 
discovery and
3. By harboring, concealing or assisting in the escape of the principal/s in 
the act of arbitrary internal displacement:
4. The courts shall impose the corresponding accessory penalties under 
the Revised Penal Code, especially where the offender is a public 
officer.
SEC. 15. Applkahility of I he Reinsed Penal Code and Special Penal I mips. -  The provisions 
of the Revised Penal Code and other relevant special penal laws, insofar as they are 
applicable, shall be suppletory to this Act.
SEC. 16. Non-prescription. -  The crimes defined and penalized under this Act, their 
prosecution, and the execution of sentences imposed on their account, shall not be subject 
to any prescription.
SEC. 17. jurisdiction of the Courts. -  The proper and competent civilian courts shall 
have jurisdiction over the offense of arbitrary internal displacement as defined and penalized 
in this Act.
SEC. 18. D  uniuges. - A court of competent jurisdiction shall determine the damages 
inflicted against IDPs and direct the persons responsible for arbitrary internal displacement 
to award monetary compensation under the following circumstances:
a. 
Where death of an individual victim occurs, the amount of one hundred 
thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00) shall be granted to the legal heirs of the 
victim as a death benefit;
b. 
Where physical, emotional and/or psychological injury is caused to an 
individual victim, actual and compensatory damages, including moral, 
nominal, exemplary and temperate damages resulting from such injury, shall
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be paid to the victim. Upon a finding of such injury and distinct from the 
compensation for actual, compensatory, moral, nominal and/or temperate 
damages, such determination shall also include a referral to the DOH and 
DSWD for appropriate interventions or services, to include psycho-social 
intervention and rehabilitation; and
c. 
Where loss of or damage to property of an individual victim occurs, the 
amount corresponding to the fair market value of the property lost or 
destroyed or the amount mutually agreed upon by the parties involved, 
whichever is higher, shall be paid to the victim.
Cases for damages filed under this Act shall be considered as an independent civil 
action and summary in nature. The Supreme Court shall promulgate the necessary rules and 
regulations to govern the procedure for cases filed in this manner.
SEC. 19. Civil lJuhilities. -  Any public officer or employee, or any private person, who 
directly or indirectly obstmcts, defeats, violates or in any manner impedes or impairs any of 
the rights and liberties of another person enunciated in this Act shall be liable to the latter 
for damages.
SEC. 20. Vinancial Assistance to IDPs. -  Whenever human rights violations are caused 
to the IDPs as incidents or consequences of arbitrary internal displacement, the necessary 
financial assistance for their return; local integration; or resettlement elsewhere shall be 
provided.
The CHR shall enhance its existing financial assistance program for victims of such 
human rights violations to include financial assistance for the purpose of facilitating the 
reparation, return, local integration, or re settlement elsewhere of IDPs. Provided, That in no 
case shall financial assistance exceed ten thousand pesos (Php 10,000.00) per person.
Receipt of such financial assistance shall be without prejudice to the amount of 
assistance granted under other government programs, such as the Victims’ Compensation 
Program of the Department of Justice (DOJ) by virtue of Republic Act No. 7309, the relief 
assistance to IDPs by the DSWD, the DOH, and other similar programs which may be 
made available to the IDPs under existing laws, rules and regulations.
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SEC. 21. Non-Monetary Reparation. - The DOH, the DSWD, the Department of
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Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technical
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Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and such other agencies, shall render
4 
necessary services as non-monetary reparation for IDPs and their families as may be
5 
detemiined, in coordination with the CHR, pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
6
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SEC. 22. Role of the C U R. - The CHR shall be designated as the institutional focal
8 
point for IDPs. As such, the CHR shall have the following additional functions:
9 
a. 
To monitor I DP conditions through the development of a system to track
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concerns, actions taken and other relevant information to ensure that IDP
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rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled in all phases of internal
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displacement;
13 
b. 
To conduct public inquiries, document violations of human rights, assist IDPs
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in seeking redress of grievances and work to ensure an effective response by
15 
the concerned authorities;
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c. 
To investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human
17 
rights violations against IDPs involving civil and political rights, in accordance
18 
with Section 18(1) of Article XIII of the Constitution, and when found in the
19 
investigation that the filing of a case in court is warranted, request the
20 
assistance of any depanment, bureau, office or agency, such as the National
21 
Prosecution Service of the DOJ or the Ombudsman, by virtue of Executive
22 
Order No. 163, series of 1987;
23 
d. 
To render financial assistance at its sole discretion, and to issue necessary
24 
guidelines to implement the same;
25 
e. 
To recommend to the other agencies of government, taking into consideration
26 
their respective mandates and functions, the grant of assistance to IDPs, as
27 
may be appropriate;
28 
f. 
To cite any person in contempt for violations of the orders issued by them in
29 
accordance with the Rules of Court;
30 
g. 
To follow up on early warning and ensure effective measures to protect the
31 
civilian population against arbitrary internal displacement;
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h. 
To advise the government on the rights of IDPs, formulate sound national
33 
policy and legislation and to facilitate discussions to effectively address
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situations of internal displacement;
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i. 
To undertake educational activities and training programs for State authorities, 
including the AFP;
j. 
To hold public information drives on the protection and rights of IDPs, and 
foster their participation in the decision-making process regarding issues that 
concern them; and
k. 
To carry out such other acts that may be necessary to fully implement the 
purposes of this Act.
SEC. 23. Role of the DS U D. The DWSD shall have the following functions, among
others:
a. 
To render psycho-social interventions and similar services to IDPs;
b. 
To facilitate linking IDPs to employment opportunities, support services and 
other livelihood programs, in cooperation with other government agencies, 
such as, but not limited to, the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department 
of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI);
c. 
To provide capital assistance to IDPs, who wish to start their respective trade 
or business , subject to reasonable rules and regulations; and
d. 
To carry out such other acts that may be necessary to fully implement the 
aforementioned functions.
SEC. 24. Join/ Concessional Oversight Committee. -  A Joint Congressional Oversight 
Committee is hereby created, composed of the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on 
Justice and Human Rights and seven (7) other Senators designated by the Senate President, 
and the Chairperson of the House Committee on Human Rights and seven (7) other 
Members of the House of Representatives, designated by the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives: Rnjvicled, That of the seven (7) Members to be designated by each House of 
Congress, four (4) shall represent the Majority and three (3) shall represent the Minority.
The Joint Congressional Oversight Committee shall also have the power to inquire 
into, summon and investigate the Orders of Battle as defined under this Act, and/or any 
document of similar nature, as well as the legal and factual justifications for the inclusion of 
specific persons and groups in said Orders of Battle or similar documents. In this regard, the 
Joint Congressional Oversight Committee may issue mandatory process directing the 
transmission of all such documents relevant and necessary for the Committee to determine 
the validity of the inclusion of specific persons or groups in the Orders of Battle or similar 
documents. For this purpose, the highest ranking officers or heads of offices shall be
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chained with testifying before the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee in relation to 
any inquiries on the Orders of Batde or similar documents.
The invocation of national security as a defense may not prevent the Joint 
Congressional Oversight Committee from inquiring into the factual and/or legal bases for 
the existence of an Order of Battle, or any similar document, or the inclusion of specific 
persons or groups in said Orders of Battle or similar documents. Should there be a need to 
inquire into the factual basis for the invocation of national security, the Comminee shall 
convene in an executive session and hear the officials invoking it. Should the basis not be 
satisfactory to the Committee, the public hearing/s will continue and appropriate 
recommendations shall thereafter be made by the Committee.
SEC. 25. Moniiorimi^ of Compliance. -  An inter-agency coordinating committee shall be 
tasked to periodically monitor the compliance with this Act. The Committee shall be headed 
by the Chairperson of the CHR. Members of the group shall be composed of:
a. 
A representative, with the rank of Undersecretary, from the Department of 
Social Welfare and Development;
b. 
A representative, with the rank of Undersecretary, from the Department of 
National Defense;
c. 
A representative, with the rank of Undersecretary, from the Depanment of 
Interior and Local Government;
d. 
A representative, with the rank of Undersecretary, from the Department of 
Health;
e. 
A representative, with the rank of Undersecretary, from the Department of 
Justice;
f. 
A representative from the Office of Qvil Defense /National Disaster Risk 
Reduction and Management Coordinating Council;
g. 
A representative from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos;
h. 
A representative from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples;
i. 
A representative from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace 
Process
j. 
A 
representative 
of 
IDP-oriented 
human 
rights 
non-governmental 
organizations (NGOs) and other human rights groups of the same nature, 
nominated by a selection board composed of human rights groups and 
NGOs;
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The Chairperson of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights of the
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Senate;
3 
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The Chairperson of the Committee on Human Rights of the House of
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Representatives; and
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m. 
The 
Chairperson of the Committee on Justice of the House of
6 
Representatives.
7 
The Committee shall work towards the collection of data on the number and
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conditions of IDPs, leading to a registry that will aid the government in efficient planning
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and policy making regarding issues affecting IDPs.
10 
The Committee shall likewise prioritize the release of immediate financial assistance,
11 
allotted by its component agencies, to those affected by arbitrary internal displacement.
12 
The Committee shall submit an annual report to the Joint Congressional Oversight
13 
Committee herein created, thirty (30) days after the end of each fiscal year. Such annual
14 
report shall be the basis for proposed amendments to existing legislation to improve the
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conditions of internally displaced persons.
16
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SEC. 26. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this
18 
Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the CHR, the DSWD, the
19 
DOH, the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of the Interior and
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Local Government (DILG). Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued
21 
implementation of this Act shall be included in the GAA
22
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SEC. 27. Implementing^ Wules and Kevulations. -  Within sixty (60) days from the
24 
effectivity of this Act, the CHR shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for its
25 
implementation.
26 
In the formulation of the mles and regulations, the CHR shall take the lead and
27 
coordinate with DSWD, DND, DILG, DOH, DOJ, Department of Environment and
28 
Natural Resources (DENR), AFP, Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Commission
29 
on Women (PCW), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWQ, National Commission on
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Indigenous Peoples (NQP), National Commission On Disability Affairs (NCDA),
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Presidential Commission on Urban Poor (PCUP), Housing and Urban Development
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Coordinating Council (HUDCQ, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
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Council (NDRRMQ, National Housing Authority (NHA), NCMF and consult with the
34 
LG Us concerned, relevant human rights non-governmental organizations and people’s
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SEC. 28. Separuhility Clause. -  If any part or provision of this Act shall be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall 
remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 29. Repealing Clause. -  All laws, decrees, executive orders, memorandum orders, 
memorandum circulars, administrative orders, ordinances or parts thereof which are 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or modified 
accordingly.
SEC. 30. Effectmty. -  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of national circulation.
Approved,
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