Pacquiao vows end to EJKs if he wins presidency

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Manny Pacquiao vowed to put an end to extrajudicial killings (EJKs) if he wins the presidency next year.

Pacquiao made the statement in support of International Human Rights Day on Friday.

“I stand by what the 1987 Constitution says on human rights, that ‘the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights,’” he said.

Pacquiao promised never to condone EJKs, an issue which has been thrown at President Duterte by critics in his crackdown on illegal drugs.

Pacquiao and Duterte were once allies but their relationship soured after the boxing icon criticized some of the Chief Executive’s policies.

The senator earlier said he will not block the International Criminal Court (ICC) from investigating Duterte’s anti-drug campaign if he becomes president.

Government data showed there are at least 6,215 drug suspects killed in alleged shootouts with lawmen since Duterte took office in 2016.

Of the number, 560 were killed since March last year when the national government imposed lockdown measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.