A House leader is pushing for a motu proprio congressional investigation into the administrative and criminal cases filed against police officers involved in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, seeking to address the impact on officers, particularly those of lower ranks.
Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez, a co-chairman of the Quad Committee, said these low-ranking police officers now face legal consequences for actions they claim were orders from their superiors during the height of the drug war.
Fernandez, chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, underscored the urgency of conducting a probe, citing the need to support officers who have been affected.
“I am actually looking at a motu proprio investigation on this matter, because the former government’s policy is negation, neutralization,” he said.
During the last Quad Comm hearing Wednesday, Duterte admitted he was unaware of the number of police officers who were dismissed or charged while enforcing his violent war on drugs that killed thousands of Filipinos.
Fernandez said some officers were unaware the orders they followed could lead to legal consequences, adding most believed they were following lawful orders from the then President and former police chief and now Senator Bato dela Rosa.
Fernandez said many of these officers are now facing serious repercussions, including dismissals and criminal charges.
He noted the need to investigate to distinguish between lawful and unlawful actions, especially since many officers followed orders under the belief they were within legal bounds.
“Didn’t the President make a pronouncement that he alone will be responsible for the effects of the war on drugs? Now that happened to these policemen? Who will help them?” Fernandez said.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers echoed Fernandez’s concerns, adding that many officers now face financial strain due to the cost of legal representation.
He said some officers have resorted to loans to cover legal fees.
Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante said the purpose of such a motu proprio probe would not be to punish officers but to assist them, particularly those willing to tell the truth about the directives they received.
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