“This senseless and unjust violence must stop” these are the words of the Vice President Leni Robredo as she was interviewed on Tuesday as 5 people were killed on that same day in Malabon in a drug related death and another in Quezon city in what was said to be a mistaken identity, said the victim’s sister.
“The rise on extra judicial killing is a call for all to uphold every person’s right to due process. Each of those Filipinos who were killed over alleged crimes, were denied of their right to a fair trial, and those lives may never be returned to their loved ones” she said.
According to reports, 13 drug suspects were killed between July 17 and 19. More than a hundred others died since June 30. Some thru anti drug raids, others by unknown killers.
Furthermore she states that “We should not foster a culture of fear in our society- one that tacitly accepts death and one that does not give respect to human life” Urging authorities to investigate these killings and bring those responsible to justice.
A resolution though, was filed in the Senate and Congress calling for inquiry into the killings but Solicitor General Jose Calida said that he will be at the police’s side and defend them from investigations if these are not in aid of Legislations.
Pres. Duterte also was urged by the International Commission of Jurists to take action against the rise of extra judicial killings, saying that they are concerned by the President’s statement that appears to be encouraging extra judicial killings of drug personalities.
However, General Bato Dela Rosa emphasized that he does not condone extra judicial killings. He reminded the PNP to follow Standard Operating Procedure in the government’s campaign on drugs and crime as he encourage all police personalities to “ Continue the fight, the momentum is on our side, hwag kayong mag- abuso, nandito kami para suportahan kayo! Legitimate operations lang po lahat!”