Solon calls for probe on killings of drug suspects

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker filed Thursday a resolution calling on the House of Representatives to investigate extrajudicial killings and summary executions of suspected drug violators and criminals.

Under House Resolution No. 61 filed by Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat, he cited that 68 drug suspects were killed in police operations nationwide from January 1 to June 15 this year, while 25 suspects were killed during operations in a span of five days, from June 16 to 20.

He said the "shocking" increase in police-perpetrated killings prompts for a probe in aid of legislation.

Baguilat took to Twitter to question the increase of police-perpetrated killings. He said if drug peddlers are killed the authorities might not be able to extract information on the drug lords.

Ano ba protocol sa paghuli ng suspects? Baka pinatay para wag magbulgar ng kasangkot.

— Teddy B. Baguilat (@Teddy_Baguilat) July 6, 2016

Baguilat also said 22 suspected drug-related killings were recorded outside police operations from May 14 to June 30, 2016.

“The outbreak of extrajudicial killings executed by civil servants trusted by the people to enforce the law indicates a violation of the Constitution and represents a deterioration of the rule of law which, if left unrestrained, can lead to people taking the law into their own hands and direct the country towards lawlessness and anarchy,” a portion of the resolution read.

Baguilat said presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella also expressed “alarm" over the seemingly uncontrolled spate of killings of suspected drug criminals by law enforcers. While he disagrees with the killings, Baguilat said he still supports the drive against crime.

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