The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) directive to reopen unsolved cases involving high-profile local officials and personalities who were killed during the height of the previous administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
This decision to revisit these cases comes after revelations by former P/Lt. Col. Royina Garma about the alleged involvement of some policemen and “hitmen” in the killings of local officials and personalities linked to the illegal drug trade.
The Commission expresses its full support for this PNP initiative and remains optimistic that the truth behind these drug-related killings will be uncovered. As previously emphasized by the Commission, we hope that alleged perpetrators—particularly the policemen identified by Garma—will be held accountable and answer for their actions.
The CHR is also confident that, as new details emerge from the investigation, the families of the victims and the public will stay informed about the outcomes. This investigation holds the potential to finally shed light on the motives behind these killings and to bring transparency to the justice process.
The Commission is also hopeful that this will be the start of better cooperation of the PNP with CHR to ensure progress of these cases and all extrajudicial killings in the context of the anti-drug campaign. We will continue to monitor these cases closely and keep abreast of any findings, particularly if there is evidence of disregard for the victims’ constitutional rights, especially those protected under Article III of the Bill of Rights. The Commission stands ready to assist in the investigation and offer support to the families of the victims, ensuring their right to justice is upheld and due process followed.
As the investigation progresses, the Commission reminds all law enforcement agencies to uphold the rule of law and ensure due process for all. The CHR underscores that no one is above the law, including those tasked with enforcing it, and that police officers have a duty not only to ensure public safety but also to respect human rights and earn public trust. Law enforcement officers are bound by national and international standards, including the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the PNP Ethical Doctrine, which mandate integrity, respect for human dignity, and the promotion of human rights in all their actions.
The pursuit of justice is a collective responsibility that must be grounded in truth, fairness, and respect for human dignity. The Commission will continue to advocate for accountability and transparency throughout this investigation. We remain hopeful that the victims and their families will achieve the justice and closure they deserve and that impunity for such crimes will end. ###