PNP says data reported to UNHCR not ”consistent with truth”

June 25, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) welcomed the latest statement of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights ( UNHCR) on the latest number of casualties in the government's war on illegal drugs but added the reported data to the organization were not "consistent with truth".

"We welcome the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’  acknowledgement of the real numbers in the anti-illegal drugs campaign that is being waged by the Philippine government, mainly thru the efforts of the National Police," said Police Colonel Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, in a statement on Tuesday.

Last week, PNP said they recorded at least 6,000 deaths on their war on illegal drugs.

"As we have explained, the varying numbers reported to UNHCR by the special rapporteurs and its other sources were not consistent with truth," he added.

Banac said these  figures don’t add up and cannot support any further need of the UN body to see the true and accurate picture of the Philippines’ crusade against the global problem of illegal drugs.

"We maintain that all our police operations against illegal drugs had been generally above board, based on lawful orders, and judiciously conducted within the ambit of regular police procedures," said Banac.

He said human rights is perfectly in place, exercised and protected in the Philippines in accordance with the constitution.

"Respect for human rights is deeply embedded in all police systems and procedures as a matter of organizational policy," he said.

"If at all any irregularity had been found, these were immediately investigated and corrected with punitive action against the errant police personnel," Banac added.

Banac said as as much as possible PNP doesn't want casualties in their operations.

Based on their data, Banac said 49 police officers died during operations and 144 were wounded.

"It is unfortunate that suspects would put up violent resistance against our operatives," he said.

"So we do not say that just because there were casualties that we will not investigate them anymore," he added.

He said around 332 policemen were dismissed from service for using illegal drugs and 119 were removed for coddling, protecting drug suspects.

Banac said all these incidents are under investigation by the PNP since 2016.

"We are gaining ground. We have accomplish (a lot)," he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS