Witnesses to be available in drug war probe – PNP

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured the Department of Justice (DOJ) it would make available police witnesses for the DOJ’s 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 Duterte’s 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 TV’s 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 Duterte’s drug war, which they said was riddled with abuses.

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

Remulla said there are many law enforcers who want to tell the 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.