Witnesses will be available in an investigation into the war on drugs – PNP

August 28, 2022 | 00:00

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured the Department of Justice (DOJ) that it will make available police witnesses for the DOJ’s investigation into alleged irregularities in the conduct of the war against Drugs.

The PNP gave the assurance after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla urged police personnel involved in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign to come out and testify against colleagues who may have commit abuse.

“The PNP will continue to provide all possible assistance to ensure the availability of police witnesses for DOJ investigations, including the ongoing investigation into certain police operations conducted as part of the implementation of the campaign. anti-illegal drugs,” he said in a statement last night. .

In an interview with “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s One News on Thursday, Remulla said the DOJ was having trouble tracing witnesses in the countryside, known as Tokhang, a situation they consider one obstacles to their investigation.

Human rights groups have attacked Duterte’s war on drugs, which they say was riddled with abuse.

The PNP also welcomed Remulla’s call to amend the provisions of Republic Act 6981 or the Witness Protection, Security, and Benefits Act that would include lawmen in the witness protection program of the government.

Remulla said many law enforcement officials wanted to tell the truth about the war on drugs but were reluctant because of the lack of protection.

Pending amendments, he said those who come out may be protected by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Another option is the relocation abroad of police officers who come to testify.