PNP reviewing MOA with NBI for joint probe on drug war deaths
OFFICIALS of the Philippine National Police are now reviewing the memorandum of agreement drafted by the Department of Justice which will pave the way for a joint PNP- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) probe on anti-illegal drugs operations that resulted in deaths.
The DOJ forwarded a copy of the draft memo to the two law enforcement agencies last Friday.
“Tinatapos na ang pag-review sa draft ng MOA at pagkatapos nito isasa-pormal na ang paglagda sa kasunduang ito upang maumpisahan na ang pag-review at case build-up laban sa mga pulis na maaring umabuso ng kapangyarihan sa aming agresibong kampanya laban sa droga sa nakalipas na limang taon,” PNP chief, General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar said.
“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,” the top cop added.
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.
Gen. 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 Duterte himself said that those who committed abuses will be sanctioned. The national government said the findings of the DOJ’s review would be made public.
“In partnership with the NBI, itatama natin ang mali at papanagutin natin ang nagkamali in the interest of truth and justice,” said Gen. Eleazar.
