Gov’t agencies comply with procedures in police operations: Abella

September 27, 2017

Malacanang said on Wednesday authorities follow protocols and procedures during police operations.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella made the statement following a petition filed by a group of lawyers before the Supreme Court for the issuance of continuing mandamus against the Philippine National Police, Department of Justice and Commission on Human Rights to investigate all killings of drug suspects.

The petitioners averred that heads of the agencies have so far failed to perform their constitutional duty to prevent violations of the right to life and to investigate and prosecute such violations.

Abella assured concerned agencies will comply with the court.

"Authorities follow protocols and procedures during the conduct of police operations. Drug-related killings form part of cases under investigation by the police, alongside murder and homicide cases," he said in a statement.

He said the public is given access to the results of the investigation.

Abella said, "specific details on ongoing investigations are only released when these details will not compromise the investigation, follow-up operations, and other related activities."

Thousands of drug suspects have allegedly been killed in Duterte's drug war since he assumed office in 2016. Celerina Monte/DMS