MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday reiterated that 98 percent of its anti-illegal drug operations have been found to be compliant with human rights standards.
PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde stressed that they are constantly coordinating with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regarding this matter.
“We've been sharing everything already to CHR. I don't know kung ano pang gusto nila (what is it that they really want). We are regularly submitting reports to the CHR. We have our Human Rights Office here that is in constant coordination with CHR. Ano pa ang gusto nila makita sa atin (If they want to see more, what is it?),” Albayalde told reporters in a press briefing on the sidelines of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena's visit to Camp Crame.
The country's top cop made the remark after CHR Chairperson Chito Gascon on Friday called on the PNP to release its records to prove that human rights standards are upheld in its anti-drug operations.
Albayalde urged officials of the state human rights body to verify with the PNP's Internal Affairs Service (IAS) if they are in doubt.
“If they do not believe the 98-percent compliance, they should ask the IAS. The IAS conducts the motu propio investigation on police operations, especially when there are those who are killed. We based it from the IAS data," the PNP chief noted.
He, meanwhile, clarified that the IAS is an independent body even if it is under the PNP.
Albayalde said the PNP also filed cases of human rights violation against 438 PNP personnel, which he described as proof that the institution does not tolerate such acts within its ranks.
Sri Lankan leader's visit 'fruitful'
Meanwhile, Albayalde described Sirisena's visit to Camp Crame as fruitful and productive.
The Sri Lankan leader was briefed on the country's anti-illegal drugs campaign during his visit to the PNP headquarters.
“He saw our campaign on (illegal drugs) supply reduction and demand reduction. He saw our campaign and the whole government approach against illegal drugs. He was impressed with President Rodrigo Duterte even during his visit in Malacañang. He was impressed with our campaign against illegal drugs and the firm leadership of our President,” the PNP chief said.
Albayalde stressed that the Sri Lankan leader himself reiterated that he wants to replicate the Philippines' anti-illegal drugs campaign.
In his remarks after a briefing presentation by the Dangerous Drugs Board, Sirisena praised Duterte's firm stance to fight the illegal drug menace.
According to the Sri Lankan leader, Duterte is an exception to some world leaders who opted not to aggressively fight the scourge of illegal drugs, fearing that this might put their lives at risk.
Another reason for the rampant illegal drug problem cited by Sirisena is that many politicians benefit from the drug trade as a lucrative economic support system.
“The world must respect the Philippine’s difficult task of dealing with illegal drugs,” Sirisena said.
Sirisena also invited officials of the agencies involved in the Duterte administration's anti-illegal drugs drive to visit Sri Lanka. (PNA)
