PRESS STATEMENT | 14 January 2018
Addressing the problem on the sale and use of illegal drugs is best achieved with the participation of all concerned, especially the community. At the same time, Constitutional guarantees, such as presumption of innocence and right to due process, are in place to ensure that human rights are protected at all times.
The Commission on Human Rights welcomes community-based programs directed to strengthen the government’s effort to curb the issue of illegal drugs and criminality. However, we urge the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), as well as barangay officials, to be more discerning in carrying out the directive to submit a list of suspected drug pushers and criminals in their communities.
We have consistently maintained that intelligence gathering in pursuing drug personalities and criminals is a function of law enforcement. But giving sanctions to barangay officials who would not comply may encourage a practice of unthorough submission of names just to avoid being penalized by the DILG.
Pending the issuance of its comprehensive guidelines, the Commission is open to join forces with the DILG to ensure that adequate safeguards are observed in operationalizing this directive. The DILG must also present a clear process on how barangay officials will obtain valid information on the suspected personalities, as well as ways to verify the integrity of that information.
The Commission reiterates its call to the government to evaluate its anti-illegal drug campaign and adopt a more responsive and human rights-based approach to combatting criminality, while providing avenues for collaboration to concerned communities and sectors who genuinely want to contribute in achieving the government’s goal of providing a dignified life for all.