Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1)— Philippine authorities will be reviewing 250 more cases of deaths linked to the government’s controversial war on drugs, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In his virtual speech before the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 49th Session on Monday, Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the DOJ-led review panel “is now prepared to endorse to the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) two hundred fifty (250) cases that involve reported deaths arising from the government’s anti-illegal drugs operations in the Central Luzon area.”
The DOJ released a copy of his remarks on Tuesday. No further details were immediately available.
Last October, the DOJ released information on 52 drug war cases— with the report finding lapses in police operation protocols.
READ: Lack of records, negative gunpowder tests: DOJ releases drug war report
Guevarra told the UN body that four of these cases have reached Philippine courts for prosecution. He added the NBI is preparing five more complaints against erring law enforcers.
Malacañang, for its part, welcomed the development, saying this proves that that the administration “does not condone” abuse of power by any government official.
Meanwhile, Guevarra also informed the UN council of the progress of the probes on other killings and alleged human rights violations in the country. These include deaths of known activists in Southern Luzon.
He also assured the council that the change in leadership in the Philippines this year will not affect the country’s commitment to human rights and rule of law.
PH invites special rapporteurs
Guevarra also revealed that the Philippine government has invited two special UN rapporteurs who would visit the country to tackle other human rights issues — particularly involving children and freedom of expression.
“We look forward to working with the Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children late this year, and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression in 2023,” the DOJ chief said.
