MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday rejected claims raised before the International Criminal Court (ICC) that drug-related killings remain “sky-high” under the Marcos administration, asserting that every reported death — including those linked to anti-drug operations — is automatically investigated and subjected to administrative and criminal review.
The issue emerged during recent proceedings at the ICC in The Hague, where former President Rodrigo Duterte’s lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, cited data from the University of the Philippines Third World Studies Center’s Dahas Project to argue that drug-related violence persisted even after Duterte left office.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. underscored the police force’s commitment to accountability and due process, stressing that authorities are prepared to scrutinize any data presented to them.
“Give us the data and then we will respond but for as long as the PNP is concerned, every death is being investigated,” he said.
Nartatez emphasized that the police institution has standing protocols requiring automatic investigation of any fatality, particularly those connected to law enforcement activities, with possible administrative or criminal charges filed when warranted.
“It is through admin cases as well as criminal cases at ‘yan naman siguro ay inaawayan ng pulis at ayaw na ayaw nila ‘yan. I assure you that every death cases is being investigated resulting to motu propio investigation,” he said.
He added that the PNP is reviewing the Dahas Project figures cited by Duterte’s defense, noting that such information could further strengthen internal monitoring and enforcement mechanisms while reinforcing the organization’s stance against unlawful acts.
“It is one of efforts para wala na talaga ‘yang so-called state sponsored killing kaya nga sinasabi ko lahat ay iniimbestigahan,” he said.
Directly disputing Kaufman’s assertions, Nartatez maintained that the PNP stands ready to act on verified information and ensure accountability for any vigilante-style killings.
“Yes, [we are refuting Kaufman’s claims], otherwise give us the data and we will ensure that these vigilantes will be punished.”
As part of heightened oversight, Nartatez has instructed regional police units nationwide to reexamine unresolved cases dating back to July 2022 to guarantee that all incidents are properly documented, reviewed, and, where necessary, prosecuted.
The PNP maintained that these continuing audits and investigative measures demonstrate its commitment to transparency, institutional accountability, and justice amid ongoing international scrutiny over drug-related deaths in the Philippines./PN
