PNP defends drug war victims’ death certificates

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) maintained it is adhering to the judicial system, in response to a Reuters special report stating that causes mentioned in death certificates of people who were supposedly killed in the government’s war on drugs were different from the actual causes of their deaths.

“The PNP has always shown willingness to cooperate in any proceeding by providing the necessary documents as properly requested by the courts or other investigating bodies,” PNP public information officer Brig. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba said in a statement yesterday.

Reuters, based on the investigation of forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun, reported that the death certificates of drug war victims stated that they died of natural causes instead of being shot.

Alba said while the PNP respects the pronouncements of other government agencies
or groups on the drug cases involaving police officers, the organization always complies with the judicial system.

He said the PNP also conducts its own investigation whenever there are police officers accused of violating the law.

If found guilty, the erring lawmen are meted sanctions ranging from suspension to dismissal from the service.

“Rest assured that the PNP will take necessary actions by filing administrative and criminal cases against those personnel allegedly involved in illegal drugs,” Alba said.