MANILA, Philippines – Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) welcomes the suspension of the PNP’s “war on drugs” as the police force moves to address corruption within its ranks. The admission by the President that 40% of the police force is corrupt is an indication that the drug war will ultimately fail. The PNP leadership must address the culture of impunity so deeply rooted in the police force. This is the same mentality that gives rise to the killing of suspects while in detention, the torture of detainees, police violence against peaceful protesters and most recently, murder inside the PNP National Headquarters.
According to the group, impunity did not come about only during the term of President Duterte. It had been around as long as the police have been committing human rights violations and engaging in corruption. Past regimes have failed to hold the police accountable for numerous crimes.
BAYAN reiterates that they need only to recall the tortures and killings during Martial Law, the Mendiola Massacre, “salvagings”, the Kuratong Baleleng rubout, the Dacer-Corbito murders, the Luisita Massacre, the Euro Generals corruption case, the Kidapawan shootings, Mamasapano and Purisima.
Lastly, the group dares, “if Duterte is really serious in reforms within the PNP, he must end the reign of impunity and corruption. Top officials should now be held accountable.”
BAYAN to Duterte: Police impunity must end
