Witnesses to be available in drug war probe PNP – Philstar.com

Emmanuel Tupas - The Philippine Star

August 28, 2022 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines The Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured the Department of Justice (DOJ) it would make available police witnesses for the DOJs probe of alleged irregularities in the conduct of the war on drugs.

The PNP gave the assurance after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla urged police personnel who were involved in former president Rodrigo Dutertes anti-illegal drugs campaign to come out and testify against colleagues who might have committed abuses.

The PNP will continue to provide any possible assistance to ensure the availability of police witnesses to DOJ investigations, including the ongoing investigation of some police operations carried out in the implementation of the anti-illegal drugs campaign, it said in a statement last night.

In an interview with The Chiefs over Cignal TVs One News on Thursday, Remulla said the DOJ is having difficulty looking for witnesses in the campaign, known as Tokhang, a situation they consider among the hindrances in their investigation.

Human rights groups have assailed Dutertes drug war, which they said was riddled with abuses.

The PNP also welcomed Remullas call to amend the provisions of Republic Act 6981 or the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act that would include lawmen in the governments witness protection program.

Remulla said there are many law enforcers who want to tellthe truth about the drug war but are hesitant due to lack of protection.

While waiting for the amendments, he said those who would come out could be protected by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Another option is for the resettlement abroad of police officers who come out and testify.

More here:

Witnesses to be available in drug war probe PNP - Philstar.com