MANILA – The House of Representatives’ Committee on Human Rights is set to investigate killings attributed to the “war on drugs” of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
According to committee chair, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, the first hearing is scheduled on May 22 with relatives of “war on drugs” victims, police officers, and former Cabinet officials as invited resource persons.
“Why are we conducting an inquiry into the deaths of alleged drug addicts or drug dealers? First, we must begin with the principle that each life is valuable and that each life lost is a profound tragedy,” Abante said.
“Second, we must point out that those who lost their lives, like every Filipino, are protected by the rights granted by the Constitution, one of which is due process,” he added.
The lawmaker further said his committee has the mandate to diligently look into the accusations of human rights abuses amid the anti-drug war police operations during the Duterte administration.
“They were not convicted, they were silenced. They were denied their rights. It is our responsibility to the victims and their families to seek the truth,” Abante said.
According to government records, there were around 6,200 drug suspects killed during the Duterte administration’s anti-drug police operations, but human rights organizations said the number may reach 30,000 due to the unreported related slays.
Former President Duterte is also being investigated by the International Criminal Court probe over the alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
There were reports that the ICC is set to issue an arrest warrant against former President Duterte by June or July of this year./PN
