Pubdate: Wed, 13 Jul 2016
Source: Freeman, The (Philippines)
Copyright: 2016 The Freeman
Contact:  http://www.philstar.com/freeman
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3437

VP ROBREDO WANTS PROBE INTO DRUG-RELATED KILLINGS

MANILA - Vice President Leni Robredo yesterday raised concern over 
the rising number of extrajudicial killings alongside the new 
administration's fight against drugs and crime.

Robredo called on authorities to look into more than 100 reported 
cases of drug-related killings in less than a month. "If there is 
really culpability, then justice requires that appropriate cases be 
filed and that those proven to be accountable be punished," she said 
in a statement.

The vice president said she supports President Rodrigo Duterte's 
fight against illegal drugs but warned that it must be done under the 
exercise of the rule of law.

Robredo added that the "war" against drugs and crime must not be done 
at the expense of the innocent and defenseless. "While we are one 
with the fight against drugs, we are concerned with the growing 
culture of vigilantism and violence," she said.

The vice president said that she expects Duterte to do what is 
appropriate since he is a lawyer and a former prosecutor.

Meanwhile, Senator Leila de Lima has prepared a resolution calling 
for a Senate inquiry into the spate of killings of suspected drug 
pushers, including those killed during police operations or while in 
police custody.

Presidential chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo said De Lima's plan 
to look into the killings of alleged drug suspects is an attempt to 
discredit police operations against illegal drugs.

Ifugao Representative Teddy Baguilat earlier filed a similar 
resolution at the House of Representatives.

- - philstar.com
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