Opening of PNP case folders to CHR need Duterte approval — DILG OIC Cuy

President Rodrigo Duterte did not allow the Philippine National Police to open its case folders to the Commission on Human Rights without his consent, Interior officer-in-charge Undersecretary Catalino Cuy said Friday.

"Sabi niya (Duterte) stick to the instruction," Cuy told reporters in an interview after the 51st anniversary of the National Police Commission.

He said there is no assurance that the folder of a certain case can be given to the CHR as they need to seek clearance from the President on a case to case basis.

"So all of these things we have to clear with the President...Depende kung papayag si Presidente but as I said it is a standing instruction," he said.

"All investigations to be conducted on police and military pertaining to human rights violations has to be cleared," he added.

He said the President made the instruction during a press conference after his State of the Nation Address and reiterated it during their meeting in Malacañang in August.

Cuy said CHR chairperson Chito Gascon already knew of their position.

"During our meeting with CHR, we told them 'yung standing instruction ni Presidente. I hope maintindihan nila 'yung position namin," he said.

He, however, assured the CHR that they will help them in their probe amid the instruction of the President.

"We can help, we will find other ways to help CHR in their effort," he said.

He added that the monthly meetings with CHR will continue.

"We will continue with the meetings," he said.

Last month, after a meeting with CHR as ordered by Senator Panfilo Lacson, the PNP said they will open their case folders to the commission.

But PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa clarified that they need to seek the clearance of the President first. — RSJ, GMA News