PNP to seek recommendation of SolGen on submission of drug war reports

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police said it would have to consult first with the Office of the Solicitor General after the high court ordered the government to submit records on deaths linked to the brutal war on drugs.

“The PNP respects the resolution of the Supreme Court but will take the legal recommendation of the Solicitor General on the matter,” PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao said in a statement Wednesday.

He added: “We assure the public that our campaign against illegal drugs is constitutional, legal and is implemented in the interest of public safety.”

Malacañang on Wednesday said it is expecting the PNP to comply with the Supreme Court order.

The Supreme Court en banc on Tuesday junked the motion for reconsideration filed by Secretary General Jose Calida against it earlier order to turn in drug war reports.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, now acting chief justice, said during the oral arguments that he wants documents on the 3,800 deaths related to the drug war that are currently under probe by the police.

The ferocious campaign has resulted in the deaths of at least 4,000 drug suspects although critics and human rights groups have higher estimates.

Last February, a prosecutor at the ICC initiated a preliminary examination into alleged extrajudicial killings in the administration’s war on drugs. This process would determine if the ICC had jurisdiction over the case and would merit a probe into the allegations.

READ: SC orders government to submit records on drug war deaths