Alan wants cops, soldiers slain in drug war honored

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano wants police officers and soldiers killed in the line of duty in the war against illegal drugs honored as heroes.

In his National Heroes’ Day statement, Cayetano said the Philippines is at the crossroads as a nation and as a people today.

“The challenge is to fight and liberate ourselves against modern-day colonizers and tyrants,” he said.

“These are the drug lords, the criminal syndicates, the corrupt and the oligarchs.

“Our police and soldiers risk their lives in the line of duty to keep the rest of us safe and secure. But it pains me to see how they have instead become targets of criticism and seemingly endless investigations.” 

Cayetano cited Senior Insps. Mark Gil Garcia and Orlando Guira; Senior Police Officers 3 Marlon Nicolas, Edmar Bumagat and Limuel Mahaba Panligan; Police Officers 3 Nestor Dimaano, Dar Espallardo, Jerson Autida and Jenny Agbayani; Police Officer 2 Armand Villanueva Jupia; Col. Josel Miravalles and Private First Class Jaypee Duran, who were all killed in encounters with suspected drug pushers.

“Let us remember them as heroes, not as mere casualties,” he said.

Cayetano said policemen do not receive adequate compensation despite the hazards of their profession.

“As our law enforcers wage the war against drugs, we urge them to continue to uphold the rule of law and respect human rights. But they must continue to be relentless in the government’s fight against illegal drugs for the sake of the next generation,” he said.