‘Our conscience is clear’, Panelo says over alleged drug war killings
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Monday said the administration is not bothered with the criticisms on the campaign against drugs as well as the alleged extra-judicial killings.
Panelo said this after human rights group Amnesty International slammed the administration for its lack of “meaningful accountability” on the government’s campaign against drugs that resulted in the death of thousands of drug suspects.
“Our conscience is clear,” Panelo told reporters in an ambush interview following a press briefing.
Panelo further insisted that the reports were merely “lies”.
“Kasi, eh siguro pinaniniwalaan nila yung mga kasinungalingan,” Panelo said.
READ: Rights group hits lack of ‘meaningful accountability’ in war on drugs
Aside from the report released by Amnesty International, a separate draft resolution was submitted by Iceland last July 4 to United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights Michelle Bachelet asking for a “comprehensive written report” on the human rights situation in the Philippines.
The draft resolution was supported by 28 countries.
READ: 28 states urge UN to report on human rights situation in PH
Asked if it would be easier for the government to just allow them to conduct the investigation, Panelo said the groups are only politicizing the issue.
“Hindi, eh pino-politicize nga nila eh gagawa sila ng istorya na naman. Gagamitin pa kami di ba. Hayaan mo na yung mga activists natin dito, saka mas nakakaalam siyempre yung andito kesa sa kanila,” Panelo said.
“I leave it to the secretary of foreign affairs. Kayang-kaya ni [Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary] Teddyboy [Locsin] yun,” he added.
To avoid the issue of politicizing, Panelo urged for cases to be filed.
“Alam mo they should file a complaint, it’s the only way. Kasi there will be courts to decide independent ang body. Hindi pupwede yung puro sinisiraan lang ang gobyerno hindi naman sila nagfi-file,” Panelo said. (Editor: Julie Espinosa)
