PNP: UN probe into PH drug war killings may be “unnecessary”

July 7, 2019

The Philippine National Police on Saturday said it may be "unnecessary" for any foreign body to conduct an investigation into the "local crime incidents."

This was after 28 nations have urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to take further action in the Philippines on the alleged human rights violations.

The draft resolution was submitted by Iceland as the UNHRC was having its 41st session.

Police Colonel Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said this kind of matter is best addressed by the executive department.

"Matters involving foreign diplomatic policy are beyond the authority of the police to tread on. This matter is best addressed by the executive department," he said in a statement.

Banac said the PNP submits to the better judgment and wisdom of higher authorities.

"At best we can only express opinion that any foreign body that will conduct an investigation here of local crime incidents may be unnecessary," he added.

The PNP said the country has a fully functional criminal justice system that has complete jurisdiction over such domestic legal questions that need to be resolved through a formal judicial process.

This was not the first time for the UN council to try to investigate the alleged human rights violations in the Philippines amid the government's campaign against illegal drugs.

PNP has said that over 6,000 individuals have already died during its anti-drug operations since the intensified campaign was launched in July 2016. Ella Dionisio/DMS