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Thursday, December 11, 2003
CHR-11 scores defects in application for search warrants vs drug suspects
By Raquel C. Bagnol
THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) 11 said on Wednesday that there is a defect in the law covering application for search warrants against drug suspects because the applicant has to first file a request before the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (Pdea), causing delays that would give ample time for the suspects to escape.
CHR-11 Director Alberto Sipaco Jr. said drug problem is a menace in society, but their efforts to conduct searches and arrests are often hampered by the procedures required.
"Pdea requires us or any other applicant like the Philippine National Police (PNP) to submit a program design where we are asked to identify the suspects to be searched, and the premises where they live in. It takes time, and by the time the court issues the search warrant, the suspect has already escaped," Sipaco said.
He said the PNP and the Pdea harped on the system in applying for a search warrant "because almost always, its too late and the raiding team come out empty-handed."
Sipaco also said it is encouraging to note that citizens have showed "they are cooperating in reporting human rights violations" based on the increase in cases filed before their office.
Records show that from January to October this year, CHR-11 received 243 cases including past cases whose investigation has been carried over this year, 167 or 68 percent of which were resolved, 23 cases were archived, 53 cases were dismissed or terminated while 91 cases were filed in courts/ administrative agencies.
The records further show that the CHR rendered legal and investigation services to 1,019 clients, 62 of which were indorsed/referred to other agencies for further action on their cases and 10 of which were disposed through mediation or dialogue.
(December 11, 2003 issue)
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