Robredo warns of ‘growing culture of vigilantism, violence’

Vice President Leni Robredo.
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday urged government authorities to look into the rising number of extrajudicial killings cases as she expressed concern over the “growing culture of vigilantism” in the country.

But at the same time, Robredo reiterated her support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against drugs and criminality.

In a carefully-worded statement, Robredo said she trusts that the President, her fellow lawyer, will abide by the law.

“We support President Duterte’s declaration that the fight against drugs and crime must be done with an uncompromising exercise of the rule of law,” Robredo said in a statement.

“However, there have been over a hundred cases of drug-related reported killings in less than a month. While we are one with the fight against drugs, we are concerned with the growing culture of vigilantism and violence,” she said.

READ: Drug-related killings hit 72 since June 30

Robredo urged authorities should investigate the summary executions occurring in different cities and provinces lately.

“We hope that the war is not done at the expense of the innocent and defenseless. We encourage authorities concerned to look into these cases. If there is really culpability, then justice requires that appropriate cases be filed and that those proven to be accountable be punished,” she said.

“Since the President is a lawyer and former prosecutor, we trust that he will do what is appropriate,” Robredo added.

Since Duterte was declared  winner of  the May 9 presidential election, police have reported more than a hundred drug-related killings nationwide. CDG/rga

READ: Drug killings alarm Palace