The Philippine National Police (PNP) has committed to supporting President Marcos’ order to further strengthen the mechanisms on respecting human rights in the field of law enforcement, criminal justice and policy-making.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that lng before the issuance of Marcos’ Administrative Order 22 series of 2024, the PNP has been in full support of the move to institutionalize human rights observation in the field of law enforcement.

“Definitely in the PNP, we will fully support the objective of the AO 22 and if you would remember, as early as 2007, the PNP has already institutionalized the human rights-based policing and proof of that is the creation of the PNP-Human Rights Affairs Office,” said Fajardo.

“The creation ng PNP HRAO in 2007 is a clear indication that the PNP respects and will respond to the call for the utmost respect and upholding of human rights,” she added.

The AO 22 has a goal of enhancing the mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines. It will also pave the way to the creation of the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination. 

The PNP, it was recalled, had been at the receiving end of adverse criticisms for human rights violations during the implementation of drug war. Almost 7,000 suspected drug pushers and users died while thousands more were killed by drug war-inspired vigilante groups. 

Some top officials of the PNP even went on publicly criticizing the Commission on Human Rights which was then very vocal in the conduct of the illegal drugs operations.

When Marcos assumed the presidency, his first Chief PNP, retired general Rodolfo Azurin, made it clear that the drug war must be less bloody and the use of guns must be the last resort for policemen.

This was sustained by his successor retired general Benjamin Acorda, Jr.

Under the leadership of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, Fajardo said: We are happy to share the objective of the AO and the PNP is aligned with the objectives of the AO 22.”