“The return of the police’s involvement in the Philippines’ ‘war on drugs’ would be a human rights disaster. Since President Duterte took power, the police have unlawfully killed thousands of people in anti-drug operations, with the vast majority of victims being from poor and marginalized communities. The police’s return to these operations could mean many more deaths.
“There has been a reduction in killings since the government pulled the police off drug operations last month, placing the Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency as the sole agency responsible for the anti-drug campaign. What the Philippines needs is not an expansion of the murderous ‘war on drugs,’ led by police who show no sign of reform, but a public health-based drug policy that respects human rights and the rule of law.
“There must also be accountability for the thousands of killings carried out already, and that all those responsible – including police officers and those who gave the orders – should be brought to justice.”
Background
On October 12, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte reduced the police’s role in drug-related operations in favor of the Drug Enforcement Agency. On November 22, however, President Duterte said in a national speech that he was considering revising that decision.
The Drug Enforcement Agency is mandated under the law to enforce all legal provisions on prohibited drugs.