President Rodrigo Duterte speaking at the 76th UN General Assembly (Screengrab from RTVM)
MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday promised that he would hold accountable anti-drug operatives who will act “beyond bounds.”
Duterte made the vow as he told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that he has ordered the review of his administration’s relentless anti-narcotics drive.
“I have instructed the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to review the conduct of our campaign against illegal drugs. Those found to have acted beyond bounds during operations shall be made accountable before our laws,” he said during the UNGA’s 76th session.
Duterte assured the assembly that his government’s resolve is to protect the Filipino people from the dangers of illegal drugs within the bounds of the law.
“The Filipino people want to live in peace and security in their homes and communities, free from harm and danger from the lawless. But achieving this goal has not been without challenges. I say this in no uncertain terms: The law applies to all,” he said.
Duterte also said the Philippines and the UN’s recent signing of a three-year joint program on human rights is a “model for constructive engagement” between the two parties.
Under the program, the Philippines and the UN will engage in capacity-building and technical cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights.
The program also aims to strengthen the conduct of investigations and filing of appropriate administrative or criminal charges on violations of human rights, as well as to provide treatment and care services for drug personalities.
Duterte’s latest statement came after the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) pre-trial chamber has approved the request of its former chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, to conduct a full-blown investigation into the crime against humanity allegedly committed in his campaign against illegal drugs.
The President merely shrugged off the ICC’s latest move and maintained that he would not cooperate with the international court when it launches its probe, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on September 16.
The DOJ has begun the review of cases of police officers in anti-illegal drug operations that resulted in the death of drug suspects.
The PNP, on the other hand, has ensured full cooperation amid the DOJ’s investigation.
As of July 31, 2021, the Philippine government has confiscated a total of PHP62 billion worth of illegal drugs, controlled precursors, and essential chemicals, as well as laboratory equipment.
Anti-drug law enforcers have also dismantled 835 drug dens and 18 clandestine laboratories, based on the government’s latest #RealNumbersPH data.
About 303,154 individuals, including 12,489 high-value targets, have been arrested, while 6,181 others have died during the 210,312 anti-drug operations since July 1, 2016.
About 22,585 villages have been listed as “drug-cleared”, while 12,371 have yet to be cleared from illegal drugs.
Anti-drug operatives have also rescued 3,869 children involved in illegal drug activities and arrested more than 1,000 government workers, including 388 elected officials and 119 uniformed personnel, in the anti-narcotics crackdown.
More than 1.2 million drug dependents have also voluntarily surrendered themselves to be rehabilitated. (PNA)
