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Friday, September 1, 2017
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(We yield this space to the statement of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines due to its significance. – Ed.)
THE fight against illegal substances is a legitimate State undertaking, as shown by the complement of laws and regulations that seek to address a growing menace. It is a reality that the nation must battle in the meantime that the underground business behind it has gained protection from certain unscrupulous public officers and law enforcers who continue to benefit from its profits.
However, describing State action as a “war” has led to the mistaken collective sense that there must be actual physical casualty in its wake – whether direct or collateral. In this frenzied fight against prohibited drugs, the nation stands witness to a series of killings, summary executions, and cold-blooded murder.
Among the latest casualties is 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos of Caloocan. Witnesses interviewed by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines consistently relate how he was arrested by police officers in plain clothes who forcibly held him captive and brought him to an alley’s end – a squalid junction where Kian breathed his last despite gut-wrenching pleas to be released.
While official investigation is said to be ongoing, serious misgivings have been voiced as to the legitimacy of the entire police operation. Kian’s case may not be isolated. Ninety-one (91) persons, more or less, were reported dead as a result of police operations dubbed as “Operation One Time Big Time” in the National Capital Region and in the provinces of Bulacan and Cavite. The deaths took place on or about Aug. 13 – 20, 2017.
We thus urge the national police forces to release information such as pre-operation and spot reports on the aforesaid “Operation One Time Big Time,” in line with Executive Order No. 02, series of 2016. May we also cite Article III, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution which guarantees the public’s untrammeled right to information.
We are desirous of a favorable response from the Philippine National Police which prides itself to be among the agencies that have enthusiastically taken the cudgels of transparency. The IBP has released formal requests in this regard, inasmuch as the national organization of lawyers remains committed to the protection of basic rights, because we stand by our moral obligation as advocates of justice, based on our solemn oath.
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