The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses grave concern over the findings of the National Bureau of Investigation on the ‘fabricated’ anti-drug operations conducted by some members of the San Jose Del Monte Police in February, which left six people dead.

Time and again, the rhetoric of ‘nanlaban’ or those who fought back has been abused by the police force to explain the numerous deaths linked to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

With the discovery of this anomalous operation, CHR echoes its call for the need to have an honest investigations of these alleged cases of extrajudicial killings in the country. The case of the San Jose Del Monte Police puts into question the true nature of all other deaths that have happened in the name of the so-called ‘drug war.’

To recall, the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights has also pointed out the widespread and systematic killing of thousands of alleged drug suspects—further worsened by persistent impunity in the country.

It is high-time for the government to share the view that such incidences are of most serious concern that demands urgent action. The government must start assessing the effects of the campaign against illegal drugs on human lives and rights of people, especially the most vulnerable and marginalised.

We cannot afford to lose even one, single innocent life.

CHR calls upon the government to stay true to its promise that it will not dodge its human rights obligations. Investigations should not stop with this one instance and should continue to allow similar cases to be tried before our courts for proper adjudication and administration of justice. The challenge before the government is to demonstrate its commitment by ensuring that it lives up to its duty of protecting and upholding the human rights of all—even when no one is looking. ###