THE Philippine government is renewing its investigation into cold cases of extrajudicial killings (EJKs), making it clear that it will be a thorough scrutiny that no one will be spared, including former President Rodrigo Duterte, whose controversial war on drugs resulted in numerous deaths.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed that both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be scrutinizing the killings of drug suspects linked to Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs.

Remulla highlighted the necessity of uncovering the truth behind these deaths, which are also under investigation by the International Criminal Court.

He stressed that there would be “no sacred cows” in the inquiry when asked about Duterte’s potential inclusion in the investigation.

Remulla called on individuals with evidence or testimonies to come forward.

Police Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, acting director of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), confirmed their readiness to file charges against anyone, including Duterte, if the evidence warrants.

He noted that the CIDG will collaborate with the NBI to investigate the allegations that surfaced during the House of Representatives’ hearings on EJKs.

Torre expressed hope that these proceedings would provide some solace to the families of victims seeking justice.

Torre also outlined potential criminal liabilities for those implicated in EJKs, depending on their level of involvement.

Former presidential chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo denied that EJKs occurred under Duterte's administration, arguing that casualties were either suspects resisting arrest or members of rival drug syndicates.

He claimed that if any EJKs had occurred, charges would have already been filed during the previous administration.

Testimonies during the hearings, including from retired police colonel Royina Garma, suggested that some police operations may have exceeded legal boundaries, and that Duterte had approved certain killings.

Garma also implicated Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who has denied the allegations and offered to conduct a parallel Senate investigation into the EJKs.(CMM)

• Tags
• #Extrajudicial Killings
• #Rodrigo Duterte
• #War on Drugs
• #Jesus Crispin Remulla
• #Philippine National Police
• #National Bureau of Investigation
• #International Criminal Court