NATIONAL REPORT 2016 3. Fully implement, with corresponding budget appropriations, the Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2013-0008, Guidelines for the Implementation of Section 19 of the IRR of the Anti-Torture Act, to ensure that all persons who allege or otherwise show indications of having been tortured or ill-treated are offered a prompt, thorough, impartial and independent medical examination in accordance with the Istanbul Protocol. 4. Ensure adequate protection of health professionals, social workers, and other service providers documenting torture and ill-treatment from intimidation and other forms of reprisals; and ensuring that health professionals are able to examine victims independently and to maintain the confidentiality of medical records. 5. Ensure that all cases that merit prosecution are processed promptly and that all possible efforts are taken to identify and apprehend alleged perpetrators. 6. Ensure that all investigations and prosecutions of allegations of torture adequately cover the possibilities for pursuing command responsibility including by obtaining all relevant records of all officials on duty particuPhotographs below show torture victims seeking treatment at a government hospital. They are supported by Balay staff in coordination with the Department of Health. © courtesy of Balay larly those holding senior positions that are alleged to have planned, commanded or perpetrated acts of torture and by utilising the full extent of Section 13 of the law when it comes to non-compliance by the relevant institutions with the investigation. page 12