HRW seeks independent probe of killings

International group Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday challenged Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde, who had called on his subordinates to respect human rights, to allow an independent probe of drug war killings.

The challenge to Albayalde, the group said in a statement, “is to transform the Philippine National Police from deadly predators to genuine protectors of public safety and rule of law.”

HRW said research made by its team showed many drug killings were summary executions “in which police or their agents planted weapons and drugs on bodies and claimed the victims fought back.” — AIE BALAGTAS SEE