PNP: No continuing killings under Marcos administration

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Monday refuted the statement of Nicholas Kaufman, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), that killings have continued under the Marcos administration.

Kaufman made the claim on the third day of Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing before the ICC last week. The former leader is facing three counts of crimes against humanity over his drug war, which left thousands of Filipinos dead.

READ: Kaufman: Marcos seeks to ‘neutralize’ Duterte, his legacy

When asked to confirm if he was refuting the counsel’s statement, Nartatez replied, “Yes. Otherwise, give us the data. And we will ensure that these vigilantes will be punished and investigated.”

“As far as the PNP is concerned, every death is being investigated,” Nartatez told reporters. He cited internal mechanisms within the PNP for the conduct of administrative and criminal investigations against police officers implicated in killings.

Nartatez also directed the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management director Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay, who was at the briefing, to review the cases filed against police officers tagged in killings since July 2022, when Marcos took over. —Jason Sigales