Palace blames ‘disinformation’ for Pinoys believing abuses committed in war on drugs

Malacañang on Monday blamed on “peddlers of disinformation” the result of the latest survey which showed majority of Filipinos believed “many” human rights abuses had been committed in the war on drugs.

Conducted in December last year, the Social Weather Stations survey found that 76% of Filipinos believe that “somewhat many” to “many” abuses have occurred in the signature campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The Palace is unsurprised with the survey finding,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

Panelo said the war on drugs “has been demonized by the relentless disinformation launched by President's vocal critics and the political opposition at its inception and not without the cooperation of some shameless media outlets.”

“A lie repeated many times over is somehow stamped with a perception of truth,” he said.

The Palace official reiterated the drug-related deaths were consequences of police operations when the suspects violently resisted arrest that endanger the lives of the law enforcers who act on self-defense, which is sanctioned by law.

Other deaths were results of killings within the drug organization, according to Panelo.

Still, the Palace encouraged victims of and witnesses to abuses to come forward and file complaints so that justice will be served.

“The Filipino people are assured that even as this administration is resolute in enforcing our laws in eliminating illegal narcotics, we are equally decisive in protecting the human rights of our citizens,” Panelo said.

“Crushing the illegal drugs that have proliferated during the past administrations due to neglect requires aggressive strategies against those who have been used to being coddled by those in power,” he added, saying Duterte was “unconcerned about the popularity of his policies.”

The Palace, meanwhile, welcomed the finding that 73% of Filipinos believe that the number of illegal drug users has fallen since Duterte took office in June 2016.

“This is what matters most - a genuine and meaningful change. This is the reason why President Duterte continues to enjoy massive approval and trust from the Filipinos,” Panelo said. —NB, GMA News