For an institution that lives by the value of Service, Honour, and Justice, it is alarming to include the assurance to kill all drug lords as part of the criteria in choosing the next Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The spirit of the PNP motto “To Serve and Protect” anchors on the faithful application of the rule of law and due process as important elements of justice. As such, we expect the next PNP Chief to embody these values and defend the rights, not of the few, but of all Filipinos.

While we support curbing illegal drug sale and use in the country, it cannot be done through shortcuts and sidestepping judicial processes. Making sure that the law works for the benefit of the people is what differentials our police and the government from bandits and rogue groups.

The Commission on Human Rights hopes that merit, good character, and mastery of the PNP vision, mission, values, and pledges will define the next PNP Chief. It is a way to restore back the confidence in our police force and would send a strong signal here and abroad that the Philippines is committed to end impunity and the array of human rights violations that we continue to confront today. ###