PNP says they continue solving, preventing vigilante killings

January 17, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said they continue to solve and prevent vigilante killings through intensified monitoring, case build up and checkpoints.

Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, the PNP spokesman, made the statement after Vice President Leni Robredo urged them to solve vigilante killings believed to be connected with the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“PNP wil intensify intelligence monitoring, continue build up cases against suspected criminal elements and pursue campaign against loose firearms through checkpoint operations and service of warrants,” Banac told The Daily Manila Shimbun in a Viber message.

Banac said the PNP does not condone vigilantism or any form of mob culture outside of the justice system.

“Some people may feel disappointed at the slow pace of the justice system, but that does not justify the criminal act of putting justice into one"s own hands,” Banac said.

“Even the most hardened criminals deserve their day in court. Nobody can be judge, jury and executioner all at the same time,” he added. 

According to Robredo, around 20 unidentified corpses were still not recover by their families during her visit in Caloocan City. 

She added residents in the area informed her vigilantes attack during night.

“I urged the PNP, you are still handling vigilante killings right? It is your obligation to resolve it because if you don’t this is still blood in your hands,” the vice president said. Ella Dionisio/DMS