Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 19)— The Department of Justice on Tuesday said it has authorized the release of select information on the 52 drug war cases reviewed by the government.
In a statement, the DOJ said it will be putting out an “information table” which will include “certain details” on the cases, in a bid to uphold transparency in the probe process.
These will include names, docket numbers, places and dates of the incidents, and the panel’s summary of observations, according to the DOJ.
The agency said the release will also serve to inform the families of the deceased regarding the circumstances of their cases, and will also help in inviting witnesses or persons with first-hand information “helpful to the resolution of the 52 cases to come forward.”
Earlier this month, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet urged the Philippine government to publish the findings of its investigation on the controversial anti-drug campaign so that the work can be “evaluated.”
The International Criminal Court’s pre-trial chamber, which had also formally authorized an investigation into the Duterte administration’s drug war, estimated that around 12,000 to 30,000 people were killed from July 1, 2016 to March 16, 2019.
After the panel’s review, the cases will undergo the scrutiny of the National Bureau of Investigation for further buildup and the possible filing of criminal charges against erring police officers.
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JUST IN: Department of Justice authorizes release of information on “certain details” of 52 reviewed drug war cases | @anjocalimario pic.twitter.com/tGNel2B5iE
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) October 19, 2021
