PNP urges AI to look into positive side of its anti-drug campaign

July 9, 2019

The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged Amnesty International (AI) to look into the positive side of their campaign against illegal drugs.

In a press briefing, Police General Oscar Albayalde said they respect the statement of Amnesty International and those countries calling for UN probe into the government's drug war.

"However, matters involving foreign diplomatic policy are beyond the authority of the police to tread on. This matter is best addressed by the executive department," said the PNP chief.

Albayalde hoped that countries looking at the Philippines will look at the PNP's sincerity on how they conduct police operations within the bounds of the law.

"That's why we don't tolerate our cops... In fact, we jail them if police abuse is proven," he said, citing the case of Kian delos Santos, a boy who died in an anti-drug operation in Caloocan. 

"They should look on the positive side on our campaign against illegal drugs," he added.

Albayalde reiterated that incidents where suspects were killed by police officer after firing at them happens nationwide after the Amnesty International called Bulacan province the "epicenter" of killings in Central Luzon.

"In fact, Bulacan is a big (province) and it does not happen in one municipality alone... if it happened in one barangay that's alarming... and we know that not only in Bulacan but also in other places in our country, we have a problem with drugs," he said. 

"And we have not received (report) that Bulacan (police) is only focused on (drug operations). We (also) have not received single complaint from the community on the police operations being conducted in Bulacan," he added.

On the assignment of cops involved in illegal drugs controversy, Albayalde said it's just "coincidence".

"Remember we put people on the areas based on their qualifications and skills. And based on their work habit. We need hardworking commanders on the ground," he said.

Albayalde assured the public the PNP internal cleansing is ongoing. He directed the PNP Training Service to conduct thorough research and training package for all PNP personnel in operating units to make sure cops do not commit the same mistakes in anti-drug programs.

From July 2016 to date, the PNP arrested a total of 240,565 drug personalities and cleared over 12,000 barangays of illegal drug trafficking and other forms of abuses. 

"As what I have promised since I assumed this post, we will not relax, we will not relent. We will fulfil the vision of our President of a drug-free Philippines," he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS