The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) acknowledges the decision of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to open 61 cases of police operations for review, particularly those allegedly resulted in the deaths of drug suspects. PNP’s willingness in opening these cases for scrutiny is a step towards the right direction.

CHR, even from the start, has repeatedly urged the government to be transparent and open in cooperating in the investigations of the said cases involving alleged extrajudicial killing related to the government’s drug campaign. We hope that 61 cases is just a beginning and we look forward to more cases being investigated.

We underscore the importance of the the PNP in maintaining a cooperative stance. Clearly, our police force has a mandate to investigate and pursue cases violating the people’s right to life among others. And, in the larger view, the government is charged with the obligation to uphold and protect the rights of everyone.

As conscience of the government and the country’s independent national human rights institution, CHR also looks forward to more meaningful and constructive engagements with the government in pursuit of truth and justice for every case of human rights violation. ###