Año says leftists, critics claim deaths in drug campaign rose 50%

September 21, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday said only leftist groups and critics are claiming that deaths under the government’s campaign against illegal drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown increased by 50 percent.

In a TV interview, Año said these allegations still need to be verified.

“Based on the latest data, crime volume decreased by 47 percent… compared to the same period last year. The thing they are saying about the increase of deaths during pandemic, we have to verify that, that’s not fact,” he said.

“Those are allegations from critics, from the leftist groups, from human rights groups. We are checking on those data and I really do not agree," he added.

Año said they do not tolerate any policy on judicial killings “much more violation of human rights.''

According to  Philippine National Police chief General Camilo Cascolan, human rights ''have never gotten in the way of the PNP campaign against illegal drugs.''

“Let me state for the record that human rights has never gotten in the way of the PNP campaign against illegal drugs and vice-versa, precisely because police anti-illegal drugs operations are consistent with Police Operational Procedures or rules of engagement that are founded on the fundamental principle to respect, protect and fulfill human rights; and to uphold the rule of law,” he said.

Cascolan said they will never lower their guard despite calls by the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights to turn their back from the anti-drug campaign.

“We will never lower our guard against a crime that destroys families and the moral fiber of society, and certainly not while we are winning the war,” he said.

According to Human Rights Watch (HRW) said from April to July, police killed 50 percent more than they did in the previous four-month period during the pandemic.  Ella Dionisio/DMS