PNP vows to probe all crimes amid US gov’t concern

The Philippine National Police assured the public Friday that it is committed to probe all crime incidents amid the concern of the US government on the alleged growing number of extrajudicial killings in the country in connection with the campaign against illegal drugs.

“The PNP is committed in investigating all crimes until the the suspects are arrested and made to answer before the courts,” PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said in a statement.

He added that “the PNP is also addressing all homicide  and/or murder cases under investigation.”

Patrick Murphy, the US deputy assistant secretary of state for Southeast Asia, said they shared Manila's objective of eliminating the scourge of illicit drugs and wanted to help. 

“We, however, do have a very sustained and deep concern when elements of the drug war are operating outside the rule of law. The growing number of extrajudicial killings is troubling,” Murphy told reporters.

Human rights advocates have repeatedly criticized the Duterte administration for its campaign against illegal drugs which resulted in the deaths of some 2,600 drug suspects in police operations. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News