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PNP reviewing pact with NBI on probe of drug war deaths

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

October 18, 2021, 2:46 pm

<p><em>(File photo)</em></p>

(File photo)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it is now reviewing the memorandum of agreement (MOA) drafted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) that will pave the way for the joint investigation of the police and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on anti-illegal drugs operations that resulted in deaths.

This came as the DOJ said it already finished the draft of the pact and forwarded a copy of it to the two law enforcement agencies last October 15.

“This serves as an assurance to our kababayan that we are serious in our commitment to ferret out the truth on the questionable cases, to hold accountable those who committed abuses, and to institutionalize reforms to further professionalize your PNP,” PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.

The DOJ had finished assessing 52 cases involving more than 150 policemen after the PNP submitted case folders of questionable police operations during anti-illegal drugs operations since July 2016.

Eleazar assured that the move is part of the effort of the PNP to strengthen transparency and accountability amid allegations of human rights abuses and extra-judicial killings in the conduct of anti-illegal drugs operations.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte earlier said those who committed abuses in the country's anti-drug campaign will be sanctioned.

“In partnership with the NBI, itatama natin ang mali at papanagutin natin ang nagkamali (we will correct mistakes and hold accountable those who erred) in the interest of truth and justice,” Eleazar said. (PNA)

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