FILE – Facilities inside the Lethal Injection Chamber in New Bilibid Prison. INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines—Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday backed President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for the reimposition of the death penalty for crimes related to illegal drugs.
During his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona), Duterte reiterated his call for the reinstatement of capital punishment for plunder and drug-related charges.
READ: Duterte reiterates push for death penalty
“We will support the imposition of the death penalty, particularly on drug crimes,” Año said during the Post-Sona press briefing.
In supporting Duterte, Año stressed that drug lords continue to operate despite being convicted.
“Ang nangyayari kasi ngayon ‘yung mga drug lord kapag nahuhuli, ikukulong mo, eh nakakapag-operate din sila sa loob,” he said.
The President has earlier expressed openness to revive the death penalty, which the country suspended in 2006, for drug trafficking and other heinous crimes, noting that it will serve as a deterrent factor for would-be criminals.