Gov’t to prosecute abusers of authority, Palace assures

MANILA, Philippines — The government assured the public that it will prosecute individuals who will abuse their authorities, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Tuesday.

In a Palace press briefing, Nograles was asked for his comment on the Department of Justice’s remark that they will endorse 250 more cases of drug war deaths to the National Bureau of Investigation.

READ: Guevarra to UN body: DOJ to endorse 250 more cases of drug war deaths to NBI

“So, unang-una sa lahat (first of all), this administration, your government does not condone any abuses made by any official or worker in government,” he answered.

“Pangalawa po (Second), kung may pang-aabuso (if there are abuses), we will prosecute and deal with these abuses and those who are abusing their authority with the fullest extent of the law,” the acting presidential spokesperson added.

“Pangatlo (Third), the mechanisms are working in this country that affords and ensure that justice is served,” he went on.

The DOJ in November 2021 released information on the 52 drug war deaths linked to the government’s anti-illegal drug operations.

READ: DOJ to release info on 52 drug war deaths Wednesday

Based on the government’s September 2021 data, a total of 6,191 individuals lost their lives since the start of President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs in 2016.

Duterte’s drug war campaign drew flak from critics as they claimed it resulted in extrajudicial killings.

READ: War on drugs: The violence, scars, doubts and families it left behind

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