Group asks Eleazar: End culture of impunity, stop illegal arrests

Fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamalakaya ng Pilipinas on Thursday called on incoming Philippine National Police chief Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar to put an end on the "culture of impunity" in the country.

In a press statement, PAMALAKAYA pointed out that Eleazar is facing a serious challenge in revamping the "publicly-disdained institution."

Also, it said that it won't be easy for Eleazar to "take a 189-degree turn on his predecessor’s policies especially concerning police operations that violate human rights."

"Mr. Eleazar must once and for all put an end to the culture of impunity, disregard on the rule of law, and state-sponsored violence such as the tokhang-style execution and illegal arrests of activists and suspected drug addicts," the group said.

"As gesture of goodwill, he must immediately abort all the standing questionable search and arrest warrants against activists that transcend from his predecessor," it added.

Likewise, the group stressed that Eleazar should repair the terrible damage that outgoing PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas had "caused" the police organization.

"This could only be done when accountability is sought for the victims of dubious police operations that led to arbitrary arrests and detentions, grave human rights abuses, and extra-judicial killings," PAMALAKAYA said.

Eleazar will formally assume post as the 26th PNP chief on Friday, May 7.

He said he is ready to face the challenges that come with his new designation. —LBG, GMA News