Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Malacañang and the Philippine National Police (PNP) challenged Human Rights Watch to substantiate its claims against the government’s war on drugs.
In its report, the human rights watchdog said the Philippine National Police are planting evidence against drug suspects to justify their deaths – and President Rodrigo Duterte is ultimately accountable.
It said Duterte’s statements repeatedly calling for drug suspects to be killed is giving the police a virtual “license to kill.” HRW added it is the police’s modus operandi to plant guns, spent ammunition, and drug packets next to killed drug suspects.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement on Thursday HRW’s claims without solid evidence are mere hearsay.
“Planting ‘evidence’ to justify police action is an allegation, nothing more. It must be substantiated by solid evidence, eyewitness account, and sworn statement or affidavit,” Abella said.
He added the accusations should be proven in court and if proven guilty, perpetrators must be punished.
PNP Spokesperson Dionardo Carlos echoed Abella’s statement, saying the HRW should provide the evidence and file cases in court.
“Wala po kaming itatago. Kapag mali, aayusin. Kapag nagkaroon sila ng violation, kakasuhan. However, yung mga ganung allegation, kailangan ng pruweba. Kung merong reklamo, aaksyunan namin,” he said.
Carlos said PNP will investigate the 24 cases of extrajudicial killings cited by HRW which were allegedly carried out by rogue police officers.
The PNP is preparing to resume its war against drugs.
Duterte earlier halted the PNP’s anti-drug campaign, after the death of a Korean businessman, Jee Ick Joo. Joo was allegedly killed by police officers who abducted him in exchange for ransom–under the guise of an anti-drug operation. The officers are now under investigation.
