PNP to probe drug war quota, reward system

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will look into the supposed “quota” and “reward” system in the war on illegal drugs launched by former president Rodrigo Duterte.

PLtCol Jovie Espenido, in a hearing at the House of Representatives, said that when a police officer hits the quota of arrested drug personalities, a reward would be given.

He tagged then PNP chief and incumbent Senator Ronald dela Rosa as being behind the system, which the latter denied.

In a statement on Sunday, Sept. 1, PNP chief PGen. Rommel Marbil said he has ordered an investigation on the matter, noting that the allegations are taken with “utmost gravity.”

"Our objective is to address any concerns, ensuring that the PNP's anti-drug operations are conducted in a manner that upholds the rule of law and respects human dignity," Marbil said.

“We are committed to a drug-free Philippines, but it must be achieved through methods that are just and humane," he added.

The Office of the Deputy Chief PNP for Operations will lead the review panel. It is composed of the PNP Quad Staff, the Internal Affairs Service, and the Human Rights Office.

The panel will scrutinize the human rights, operational protocols, and accountability mechanisms of the former administration’s war on drugs.

The PNP said that the result of the review will be “crucial” in shaping the police’s strategies in eradicating illegal drugs.

Dela Rosa and Duterte are accused of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court for extrajudicial killings in relation to the drug war.

Based on human rights groups’ figures, the drug war death toll was more than 20,000.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.