Cops vow no ‘shortcuts’ in dealing with suspects

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office-7 assured they will follow operational guidelines after the Commission on Human Rights recently expressed concerns that policemen may prioritize killing drug suspects instead of arresting them.

CHR-7 Director Arvin Odron previously said that there are circumstances when policemen may use their firearms to neutralize drug suspects to arrest them.

Odron said he was worried policemen may be “taking shortcuts” during anti-illegal drug operations and that “instead of subduing they might be tempted to kill and claim later na nanlaban ang suspect.”

PRO-7 Director Robert Quenery defended his policemen saying that the PNP on no occasion allows shortcuts in the crackdown against illegal drugs.

“The police will never allow or tolerate its members in ‘taking shortcuts’ in its campaign against illegal drugs. Time and again, we have sworn to always abide by our police operational procedures in every aspect of police interventions,” Quenery said.

The statements came up after President Rodrigo Duterte, during his speech at the 120th Anniversary of the Philippine Navy on Tuesday, told Cebu’s drug suspects it is better for them to stay in jail.

“You know if I were you guys in Cebu, stay in jail if you want to live longer. Maghanap kayo ng reason to be in jail. Do not go out of that facility it would not be healthy for you,” he said.

Quenery added that there may have been drug suspects who were killed during legitimate anti-illegal drug operations, but there were also policemen who became casualties during operations.

Based on PRO-7’s latest data, there are at least 10 policemen who have been killed while 15 others were wounded during police operations since 2016.

The latest fatality of the police happened last February 19 when Police Officer 2 Evie Espina of the Minglanilla Police Station was killed during an anti-illegal drug operation after a high-value-target suspect shot it out with police operatives.

Meanwhile, this year, after the return of anti-illegal drug operations to the PNP, less than 10 drug personalities have been killed during anti-illegal drug operations.

Quenery said there were families left behind by policemen killed during operations.

“Pity the families that they have left behind. If there would be anyone who would wish to have a peaceful community free from drugs, it will be us, the police, who will put its best foot forward,” he said. — BRP (FREEMAN)