CHR welcomes review of anti-drug campaign strategy

The Commission on Human Rights has welcomed the commitment of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to review its existing strategy to curb the drug problem in the country.

In a statement, CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said the human rights body was hopeful that "these changes will give way to a multiperspective and a more pro-people approach to the campaign''.

"The Commission has always been supportive of these initiatives with the assurance that they will not violate basic human rights and police operations standards – no killings or use of unnecessary force and done with due process," Ms de Guia said.

However, Ms de Guia reiterated the CHR's call for greater transparency and genuine investigation of all extrajudicial killing cases committed in the past three years since the nationwide anti-drug campaign was launched.

"We demand the government to make every perpetrator accountable for their violation of the right to life," Ms De Guia said, "and to offer sustainable and effective redress for those who surrendered and wanted to undergo rehabilitation".

"We look forward to the continued openness and dedication of the PNP to improve its operations while we extend all the possible help that we can provide in guiding them in this undertaking."

Date: 15 November 2019

Source: Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines