Probing errant cops in drug war

EDITORIAL

The Philippine National Police Human Rights Affairs Office has reported a drop in cases of human rights violations committed by cops.

The admission itself should make government, particularly the PNP start investigations on illegal searches, killings, rape or other crimes committed by errant policemen in the administration’s war against illegal drugs.

But then again, as pushed by human rights groups, it should be other agencies which should do the investigations considering suspicion that cases would be whitewashed since even senior PNP officers are allegedly involved in illegal acts.

PNP HRAO director Chief Supt. Dennis Siervo said 174 cases committed by PNP personnel were recorded in 2014, 131 in 2015, and 105 in 2016.

“There is a downward trend on personnel involved in human rights violations despite the fact that the half of the previous year there was a change of administration,” Siervo said.

Siervo noted need to intensify monitoring of human rights violations among their ranks, especially since 56 human rights violation cases have been recorded in the first two months of this year.

Many of the violations include homicide, illegal and arbitrary detention, unlawful arrest and rape. This reportedly prompted the PNP HRAO to visit police offices in regions with the highest number of violations.

These are in regions 1, 7 and national capital region.

“We are reviewing their operation procedures because when you speak of human rights based on policy, it is professionalism, competency and strict observance of the police operational procedures. We are reminding those who forget,” Siervo added.

Highest police ranks identified to have committed human rights violations are police superintendent in the rank of police commissioned officer; and senior police office 4 (SPO4) in the rank of police non-commissioned officers.

With this, PNP HRAO said it will continue to distribute among cops pamphlets containing the Miranda rights as a constant reminder. 

The PNP’s moves to correct the mistakes of scalawag policemen comes short. What is needed are full-scale investigations on human rights violations and illegal acts committed by errant members of the Philippine National Police in the government’s war against illegal drugs  to give justice to victims who have been unjustly and illegally killed, tortured, maimed, or raped among other crimes.

Charges should be filed in court against the accused.