PNP: Internal investigation, DOJ review enough for 'drug war' accountability

This file photo taken on November 16, 2016 shows police gathered over the body of a suspect killed during an anti-drug operation at an informal settlers' area near a port in Manila.

AFP / Ted Aljibe, file

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police said there is no need for the International Criminal Court to look into deaths related to the "war on drugs" since it is already reviewing its own personnel for possible lapses in anti-narcotics operations.

In a briefing on Monday, Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., PNP chief, said domestic proceedings are enough for accountability in case of abuses in the "war on drugs" of the Duterte administration. The Hague-based ICC last week said that it had authorized the reopening of an inquiry into the brutal anti-drugs campaign — an inquiry that the Philippine government has consistently rejected as unnecessary and without jurisdiction.

"The PNP encourages the ICC to respect the Philippines' sovereignty and acknowledge the capacity of the Philippines' judicial system," Azurin said in prepared comments.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/30/2241305/pnp-internal-investigation-doj-review-enough-drug-war-accountability