PNP backs Duterte’s call to reimpose death penalty

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday expressed support to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to reimpose death penalty for crimes related to drugs and plunder.

"The PNP fully supports the legislative agenda of the national government for effective legislation that will add more teeth to the crusade against crime, drugs and corruption, particularly by imposing capital punishment for drug-related heinous crime and plunder, among others," PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde said during a press briefing.

Albayalde said he believes that this move could be a "game-changer" in the government's campaign against illegal drugs as well as the fight against crime and corruption.

According to Albayalde, if the death penalty will be imposed, it will be for big time drug personalities, adding that lawmakers would surely study the recommendation to reimpose it.

"Usually ito talaga 'yung heinous, hindi naman 'yung street pushing ito. Ito 'yung mga big time. Depende sa appreciation ng Congress 'yan kung ilang kilo ang narecover sa isang tao para sila ma-cover ng death penalty," Albayalde said.

"I’m sure Congress will not impose it nang ganun ganun lang. that will be part of our recommendation also," Albayalde said.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Duterte said that while the public has done its part in resolving the persisting drug menace, there is still a need to solve corruption, which, according to him, allows illegal drugs to proliferate.

"The drugs will not be crushed unless we continue to eliminate corruption that allows the social monster to survive," Duterte said.

"I respectfully request Congress to reinstate the death penalty for heinous crimes related to drugs as well as plunder," he added.

Meanwhile, Albayalde also said he shares the frustration of the Chief Executive over the problems of corruption in the government, noting that the government's campaign against corruption

"The PNP is duty-bound to assume its crucial role in this crusade under a whole of nation approach alongside the efforts of other agencies and stakeholders," Albayalde said. — RSJ, GMA News