Released on Monday, 13 January 2020, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll showed 76% of Filipinos believing that human rights violations continue to confront the administration’s anti-drug campaign.

We believe that this should serve as a wake up call to the government towards addressing with utmost sincerity the allegations of human rights violations during anti-drug operations.

In the same light, the government should also focus on enforcing honest efforts to reform the police force with nearly four out of five, or 78% of Filipinos, equally believing that ‘ninja cops,’ or members of the Philippine National Police allegedly selling the drugs they have confiscated, continue to operate despite having the mandate to curb drug sale and use across the country.

Our call from the Commission on Human Rights has been consistent: that for this campaign to have true meaning, we cannot sacrifice the rights of some so that others may enjoy better protection of their rights. This call also means ensuring that the law applies to everyone, most especially to erring government officers should offences be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Left unaddressed is the commitment of the government to investigate all of these allegations of human rights violations, as well as abuse of power and authority, which continue to affect the credibility of the said drug campaign and cause international concern, also given that the numbers of deaths allegedly linked to drug operations continue to rise—with most cases still waiting to be resolved.

As a government of and for all, it is also important for this administration to listen to Filipinos agreeing on an international probe on the human rights situation in the Philippines. In this way, we demonstrate our claimed commitment to uphold the dignity of everyone. And if the government is willing to do whatever it takes to protect human rights, then let those investigations show such efforts. ###