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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR hopes more cases be probed, filed in courts in cases of 'nanlaban' suspects in drug operations

CHR hopes more cases be probed, filed in courts in cases of 'nanlaban' suspects in drug operations

Published Mar 8, 2022 10:20 am

Commission-on-Human-Rights

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed hope that more charges would be filed before prosecutors’ offices and, thereafter, before the courts on the cases of deaths and injuries involving “nanlaban” (fought back) suspects in illegal drugs operations conducted by law enforcement agencies.

CHR issued the statement after the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the filing of murder and planting of evidence cases against three policemen in Gen. Luna town in Surigao del Norte in connection with the death of Spanish national Diego Lafuente during drugs operation in Siargao Island in 2020.

"The 'nanlaban' narrative has been the default invocation of state agents on deaths related to the campaign against illegal drugs, the CHR said through Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia, a lawyer.

The filing of the criminal charges against the three policemen “is a welcome development in seeking the truth and ascertaining the veracity of police claims towards ensuring accountability," De Guia.

"As we repeatedly said in the past, invoking self-defense as a justifying circumstance should be tried in courts and cannot be merely asserted."

Reports stated that the police claimed that Lafuente is a "high value" drug suspect. He was killed on Jan. 8, 2020 after he reportedly fought back law enforcers during a buy-bust operation.

But the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) later discovered evidence that showed probable cause for murder and planting of evidence.

The NBI said that the scene of the crime operative (SOCO) report and forensic results were contrary to the claim of the police there was a shootout involved. Because of this, the Office of the Prosecutor General of the DOJ decided to file murder and planting of evidence charges against the policemen.

"CHR is hopeful for more progress in bringing similar cases to prosecution. Where police officers and state agents kill alleged criminals, greater resolve to exact truth and accountability is expected from the government," De Guia said.

"To combat impunity, it is crucial that the State consistently demonstrates sincerity in upholding the rule of law and utmost adherence to protecting the right to life and justice," she added.

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