PNP favors revival of death penalty

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police favors the revival death penalty as a deterrent  amid a spate of crimes in the country these past few weeks, its spokesman said Tuesday.

Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr., however, acknowledged that the revival of the capital punishment is to be decided upon by the country’s lawmakers.

The capital punishment was abolished during the Arroyo government.

Cruz also said that the PNP supports calls to amend Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice Act, to lower the age a child may face criminal charges, due to reports of many teenagers getting involved in crimes including drug trading.

“We [PNP] have submitted a proposal to reduce the age of discernment to 9 [years old] from 16 years old,” he said in a text message.

Cruz said that teenagers under the influence of drugs have become capable of doing heinous crimes such as murder and rape.