The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed Thursday to ‘ponder on some issues’ pertaining to allegations of human rights violations in the implementation of the drug war after the United Nations decided not to conduct investigation on allegations of extra-judicial killings and other human rights violations.
PNP spokesman Col. Ysmael Yu said they welcome the manifestation of the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) to instead offer assistance in technical cooperation and capacity-building to promote human rights in the country.
“We acknowledge this manifestation of the UNHRC’s recognition of the Philippine government’s initiatives to review and reevaluate all allegations of human rights violations in the implementation of the national anti-illegal drugs campaign,” said Yu.
“The proposed ‘technical cooperation and capacity-building for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines’ offers more opportunities for the PNP to further promote our own advocacy to protect, respect, and fulfill human rights in all aspects of police operation,” he added.
On Wednesday, the UNHRC adopted a resolution that provides support for the Philippines to ensure that human rights in the country are upheld. The resolution was sponsored by eight nations that include the Philippines.
Calls for the UN investigation were raised over allegations of extra-judicial killings that include more than 100 children as collateral damage. More than 5,000 drug suspects were killed in police operations since the drug war was launched in 2016 by President Duterte.
United States lawmakers had earlier called for the suspension of all forms of assistance to the police and the military due to human rights issues while the European Parliament has called for the cancellation of the exportation perks being extended to the Philippines.
Yu said the decision of the UN will help the PNP strengthen its commitment to uphold the rule of law.
He said there are mechanisms that are strictly observed to compel every policeman to behave like strict adherence to the PNP Operational Procedures or Rules of Engagement. He said the NP Operational Procedures or Rules of Engagement emphasizes highly on respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.
“This intention of the Human Rights Council is not a celebration for the PNP but a point to ponder on some issues to undertake,” said Yu.
“The PNP will do its job as intended, and perform to its best for what is right and to assure that PNP will always be there to serve and protect every Filipino family as its partners,” he added.