PNP: 1,645 drug suspects killed, 1,967 deaths under investigation since July 1

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday said 1,645 drug suspects have been killed in its operations while 1,967 more drug-related deaths are under investigation since July 1.

In its latest update on its "Oplan Double Barrel," a total of 29,331 drug suspects have also been arrested in 30,845 operations from July 1 to 6 a.m. of October 15.

The PNP also reported that a total of 13 policemen have been killed and 40 more wounded in anti-drugs operations during the same period.

It also reported that three members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were killed in action while eight were wounded in anti-drug operations.

Under Project Tokhang, the PNP said a total of 744,916 drug personalities -- 54,229 pushers and 690,687 users -- have surrendered.

It said its personnel had visited a 2,120,139 houses under the Project Tokhang.

'Deaths under investigation'

In a separate report, the PNP said that it already has 1,967 deaths under investigation covering the period of July 1 to 8 p.m. of October 14

From these killings, 541 cases are so far being investigated.

The PNP said there is a total of 2,703 victims in 2,508 incidents.

It said a total of 352 cases have been solved while 541 have been cleared.

The PNP noted that DUIs are murder and homicide cases that are currently under investigation and are not cases of extrajudicial killings.

Meanwhile, the PNP said that it has subjected 156,286 policemen in random drug tests conducted from January 1 to 1:50 p.m. of October 12.

A total of 157 policemen and seven non-uniformed personnel have tested positive for use of illegal drugs. —Erwin Colcol/ALG, GMA News