SC orders gov’t to submit records on drug war killings

April 2, 2019

The Supreme Court ordered the government to submit the Philippine National Police ( PNP) records on killings for resolution of writ of amparo cases against the administration's war on illegal drugs.

During its summer en banc session in Baguio City, the SC resolved to compel the government, particularly the Office of the Solicitor General, to submit police reports and documents involving 3,800 deaths related to the drug war under PNP investigation.

The 15-member bench also directed the Office of the Solicitor General to release or furnish copies of the reports to the petitioners in the amparo cases represented by human rights groups CenterLaw and Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG).

"The Court ordered the Solicitor General to submit to the Supreme Court the police reports, copy furnishing the petitioners," SC spokesman Brian Hosaka said in a press conference.

The Solicitor General had opposed the petition, saying records do not represent all alleged victims in the drug war.

CenterLaw filed a petition in 2017 with the high court seeking the issuance of a writ of amparo to protect the residents of 26 barangays in San Andres Bukid, Manila City against the government’s war on drugs. DMS