CHR ‘hopes’ testimonies at Senate drug war probe will bring justice

A SEAT AWAY Former President Rodrigo Duterte and former Sen. Leila de Lima attend the Senate hearing on the drug war on Oct. 28, 2024, their first appearance together since she attended his first State of the Nation Address in 2016 as an incumbent senator before her detention on Duterte’s watch the next year. — MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it is “hoping” that the testimonies at the Senate hearing on the Duterte administration’s drug war would finally bring justice to the victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs).

During the Senate hearing on the drug war killings last Monday, Oct. 28, former President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that he organized a seven-man hit squad when he was Davao City mayor.

He also said he tried to convince police officials to kill certain individuals and admitted that his order to police officers was to “encourage” suspects to fight back so they could be summarily executed.

READ: PNP says it will probe Duterte’s alleged ‘death squad’

“As more details emerge from the recent Senate blue ribbon sub-committee proceedings, the CHR hopes that these efforts will ultimately bring accountability to the perpetrators and all those involved in EJK during the previous administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign,” the CHR in a statement on Wednesday.

“Additionally, the Commission endeavors to determine the accountable officers and individuals, in pursuit of truth and justice, as more come forward to shed light on events surrounding the campaign on illegal drugs,” it added.

READ: Duterte takes ‘full legal, moral responsibility’ for drug war

The CHR also said it remains steadfast in its mandate to protect and promote the rights of all. It also urged concerned government agencies, particularly the Philippine National Police, to uncover the whole truth regarding the drug war.

READ: Bato dela Rosa urged to explain role in Duterte ‘drug war’ before ICC