DOJ assures fair, thorough review of drug-related deaths

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) assured it would leave no stone unturned in its evaluation of deaths arising from the war on drugs.

Undersecretary Adrian Sugay told reporters on Friday the DOJ-led review panel has made recommendations on law enforcement officers found liable for the death of illegal drug personalities.

On the other hand, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will come up with its report by the first week of March.

“We gave to the police our recommendations on possible administrative and criminal liability on those involved in anti-illegal drug operations where deaths occurred. I understand that they are currently evaluating our findings and recommendations,” Sugay said.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier said they would badger the PNP leadership to act on the recommendations while reaching out to the victims’ families.

“We’ll prod the PNP to initiate the action based on the recommendations of its internal affairs service. Otherwise, any member agency of the review panel, other than the DOJ, may file the appropriate complaint before us,” Guevarra said. “We also intend to reach out to the families of the victims so that they themselves could act as the complainants.”

The filing of cases is still up for discussions, Sugay said.

“What we have thus far is an initial report. And we intend to continue the review of cases involving anti-illegal drug operations where deaths occurred. We intend to come up with further findings and recommendations,” he said.

No official has been cleared outright in the review process, Sugay clarified.

“Any and all possible administrative and criminal liability against those involved in these anti-illegal drug operations where deaths occurred may be pursued,” he said.