Summaries of 52 drug war cases reviewed by DOJ to be released Wednesday — Guevarra

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will release to the public on Wednesday summaries of the 52 drug war cases it reviewed over the past few months, Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Tuesday.

The details to be released include docket numbers, names of deceased suspects, places and dates of the incidents, and the review panel’s summary of observations, the DOJ said in a statement.

Guevarra said the information would be released at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

“This is for the purpose of informing the families and loved ones of the deceased suspects that the circumstances surrounding each incidence of death are undergoing a determination of possible criminal liabilities on the part of erring police officers,” the DOJ said.

The DOJ also asked witnesses or persons with first-hand information to approach the National Bureau of Investigation.

According to the agency, the incidents were set to undergo further investigation and case buildup by the NBI for the possible filing of criminal charges against erring police officers.

Reacting to the DOJ’s pronouncement, National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers president Edre Olalia said that “this seems a good development and appears to indicate progress in investigating and eventually making those responsible liable for starters.”

“But then again, considering the paltry number, the inordinate lateness, and the unusual tentativeness, it is vulnerable to being viewed more of going through the motions rather than as a thoroughgoing and proactive desire to decisively stop the carnage and the impunity,” Olalia said.

“The sound of the trumpeting elephant in the room bellows: why are these extrajudicial killings happening in the first place and why are a puny number of ‘erring police officers’ taking the fall all alone even at this very overdue time?”

The DOJ earlier said the results of the investigation into the drug war killings would not be kept from public view.

International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan said his investigation into the bloody drug war in the Philippines would uncover the truth and ensure accountability among those involved in human rights abuses.

President Rodrigo Duterte has said that he will prepare for his defense for the ICC investigation after he steps down from office in June 2022. — VBL, GMA News