MANILA, Philippines — Police operations are now as “humane, truthful and bloodless” as possible, President Marcos said yesterday, as he heaped praises on Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.
In a speech during the 123rd anniversary of the police service at Camp Crame, Marcos said the achievements of the PNP were made possible because of its “resolve to uphold the rule of law” and the “unparalleled dedication and service” of police officers led by Marbil.
He highlighted what he described as “effective” but “lawful” efforts against illegal activities.
“Our crackdown on illegal drugs, smuggling, illegal gambling, private armed groups, human trafficking and criminality has also strengthened significantly in ways that are not only effective but legal and lawful,” the President said.
“Indeed, police operations are now conducted as humane, as truthful and as bloodless as possible,” he added.
In a previous speech, Marcos said his crackdown on drugs involves rehabilitation, reintegration and preventive education programs since enforcement “only gets you so far.”
During his third State of the Nation Address last month, Marcos said more than P44 billion worth of illegal drugs have been seized and 97,000 drug personalities have been arrested under his “bloodless war” on dangerous drugs, highlighting that the accomplishments were achieved without resorting to “extermination.”
‘Support PNP a leadership’
During yesterday’s police service anniversary, Marcos lauded the leadership of Marbil, saying his tenure over the past months has been filled with “noteworthy reforms and achievements.”
“Under General Marbil, the police has taken aggressive steps toward sustaining the gains of peace and order that we have collectively and painstakingly worked hard for,” he said.
Marcos hailed the PNP’s intensified patrol operations and increased police deployment, contributing to a “notable drop” in crime rates.
He also praised the effective response of the police force as they have responded to nearly all or 99 percent of the calls for police assistance and have operationalized its Cybersecurity Operations Center to intensify cyber patrolling.
Marcos has reminded the PNP chief of the honorable task he carries as he is the one leading the transformation of the police’s image—from being feared by the citizens to being the trustworthy authorities against crimes.
“In carrying out this task, the police need to be disciplined, transparent and fair. Erring and corrupt police personnel will face the appropriate sanctions,” he said to Marbil.
Marcos also urged the police force to support the PNP leadership, sustain their initiatives and take care of the people’s “increasing confidence” in their abilities. He assured law enforcers that his administration prioritizes their welfare and that of their families and remains supportive of their upgrade efforts.
House probe as ICC’s evidence
Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers suggested that the International Criminal Court (ICC) can use the documentary records and testimonial evidence gathered by the House in its own investigation on former president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war as he said these records are public.
“Records of such hearings would be out in the public. Anyone can use the transcript or maybe even records of the hearings,” Barbers, who is also the chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, said.
“As to how they are going to use it, that is already beyond us. If the ICC would want to use this, it’s up to them because all of these are public records. If these can be very helpful to them, then it is up to them,” he added.
But Manila Sixth District Rep. Benny Abante, chairman of the House committee on justice and human rights, refuted the idea, noting that ICC is a foreign entity that has no jurisdiction over the Philippines.
“Our President has made it clear that we do not recognize the ICC in the Philippines right now. So it’s up to them to investigate, but I’m not going to allow the committee on human rights to be used by the ICC for their own investigation,” he declared.
According to reports, the ICC is currently gathering evidence in its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity related to unlawful killings in Duterte’s war on drugs. – Delon Porcalla