While we acknowledge Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.’s expeditious approach, it must be stressed that accountability must be carried out to its fullest extent. A resignation or removal from office may only be the first step in the pursuit of justice, and not an omission of liability. In this case, if allegations are proven to be true, criminal and administrative charges should be filed against erring police officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) believes that implementing serious reforms and policy shifts within the PNP is crucial in the government’s multi-sectoral course of action to combat the persistent drug problem in the country. We note the DILG’s Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program, which Secretary Abalos described in a statement last November 2022 as “a different approach that will work within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights and with focus on rehabilitation and socio-economic development.”
To this end, CHR underscores the principles of due process and rule of law. Parallel to the adoption of a human-rights based means to drug recovery must be the imposition of criminal-legal sanctions against guilty perpetrators. When lawlessness is dealt with according to law, it demonstrates a robust and working justice system in the country. Furthermore, holding officials liable for possible human rights violations indicates integrity and seriousness on the government’s part in terms of ending the culture of impunity.
Above all, we ask that the victims of the drug war be at the core of the administration’s continued anti-illegal drugs campaign. Ascertaining justice for families whose loved ones were arbitrarily deprived of opportunity and life is a realisation of their duty to serve and protect.
The Commission urges the DILG and the PNP to investigate and file more cases similar that of Kian delos Santos, Carl Arnaiz, and Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman. Only through proactive and systemic action against corruption can more citizens feel assured that the law is also for the marginalised and the poor; equally enforced and independently adjudicated.
In that regard, CHR remains open to collaborate with law enforcement agencies regarding the progress of cases involving police officers. We likewise express our continued commitment to improve the human rights eduction and training programs for the security sector.
Once again, it is the State’s primary and constitutional obligation to uphold and fulfill human rights of all Filipinos. In a similar way that it is their duty to abide by domestic and international laws to ensure that all human rights violations are addressed judiciously.
As duty bearers, let us do all that we can to preserve the faith of the Filipino people in our institutions and the law through definitive and equitable justice for all. ###