DOJ to get ‘drug war’ case files from PNP – Remulla

FILE PHOTO: DOJ logo. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) will get files of war on drugs cases from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

During the time of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, a review was conducted on the “drug war” cases. Initially, the PNP committed to providing more than 60 case files but eventually cut it down to 52.

“It is the duty of every law enforcement [agency] to turn over to us the case files. There [are] no ifs and buts there,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said Wednesday.

Remulla said they are still collecting data on the cases that the DOJ has filed in court.

He added that 250 other cases were referred to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

However, Remulla lamented that the real problem is the lack of witnesses.

“There is nothing to start with. How can you start with the case? How can you file a case when you have no person to accuse?” he asked.

He said witnesses should not be afraid to come forward because the government will protect them through the Witness Protection Program.

Of the 52 cases of “nanlaban” referred by the PNP, Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres said those involving the death of six individuals have been dismissed while seven have been filed in court.

“You know, the importance in criminal justice is the certainty of punishment. And if we were able to get the convictions of these seven cases, then we have attained our purpose,” he added.

Andres said the remaining 52 cases are still undergoing case build-up because “we do not want to file half-baked cases.”

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