DOJ: Probe on EJKs will be transparent, untainted by politics

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla created the task force through Department Order (DO) 778 on Nov. 4. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday assured that the initiative to investigate extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the previous administration’s war on drugs will be transparent and untainted by political machinations.

Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres made the assurance during an interview at the People’s Television (PTV) Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon news program, as he cited the possibility of former president Rodrigo Duterte appearing before the DOJ task force probing cases of EJKs during his administration.

Andres said Duterte’s appearance is in compliance with all the requirements of due process.

“Kaya po hindi po dahil gusto natin s’yang ipatawag, ngunit obligasyon po natin na bigyan sya ng pagkakataon na magpahayag ng kanyang pananalita at saloobin (It is not because we want to call him, but it is our obligation to give him the opportunity to be heard) within the context of an investigation with due process, assisted by his counsel, so that it will be in conformity with the requirements of the rule of law,” Andres said.

“Wala hong (There’s no) any other agenda but to enforce the law to the limit so that we can show to the world and to our citizens that no one is above the law. Whether you have power or influence or you are an ordinary citizen, you have to face the law equally and uniformly,” he said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla created the task force through Department Order (DO) 778 on Nov. 4.

The Task Force will be under the Office of the Secretary of Justice Prosecution Staff (OSJPS) chaired by a Senior Assistant State Prosecutor and co-chaired by a Regional Prosecutor, with nine members from the National Prosecution Service (NPS).

It is mandated to investigate, conduct case build-up and file necessary charges, if warranted, against the perpetrators as well as those involved in the EJKs during the previous administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

On top of it, the Task Force is directed to closely coordinate and assist the House of Representatives Quad Committee and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in their respective investigations into the war on drugs.

“Spare no one, hold accountable every personality who had a hand in the senseless killing perpetrated by abusive persons in authority during the past admin’s anti-illegal drug campaign,” Remulla ordered following the issuance of DO 778.

Earlier, the DOJ said the alleged offenses may fall under Republic Act No. 9851 or the 2009 law on Crimes against Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes of Humanity.