MANILA — The Philippine National Police will open a portion of its drug war records to the Department of Justice for review, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Monday.
These cases, according to Guevarra, were reviewed and evaluated by the PNP Internal Affairs Service using its own records and personnel. The PNP’s decision was prompted by a meeting between Guevarra and newly-installed PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar last Friday, May 21, during which the two officials discussed “active collaboration” in reviewing illegal drug operations where deaths occurred and in investigating alleged extrajudicial killings and related cases.
Guevarra said the 61 cases investigated by IAS are outside the initial review the DOJ conducted last year, from which a partial report was submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte.The drug war review is a major commitment by the Philippines to the United Nations Human Rights Council, with no less than Guevarra announcing it in front of world leaders.
“Instead of spinning this as moving the needle for accountability, he should convince his president to crack the whip on the police to force it to be more forthcoming and to be more serious about accountability. By Guevarra’s own admission now and in previous statements, there is basis to hold the PNP accountable,” he added.
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