CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno on Tuesday, November 20, said the 13 drug-related deaths in the city "does not show that there is already a pattern" in the reported drug killings here.
Moreno, however, acknowledged that the police's line has been consistent, that is, the resistance of the drug suspect, particularly firing against the arresting authorities.
But the mayor said there is no evidence that police abuse exists in these operations. Instead, Moreno urged the families of the victims to report to him if there is evidence to the contrary and raise this concern to police.
"In the killings, if there is an indication nga naay violation sa katungod, naay pag-violate sa legal limits, please tell us so we can the ask for necessary investigation," he added.
"Pero the mere fact nga 13 na sila, that's not by itself show that its already a pattern," he said.
Moreno said his position on extra-judicial killings has never changed since he joined government. He said he is always against summary killings.
"I dont allow, tolerate, or condone it, niadto pa since I joined government. That's why we push for drug rehabilitation in the city," he said.
Thirty-year-old Jimboy Amodia is the 13th suspected drug personality killed since the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) launched its anti-drugs campaign. The suspect allegedly opened fire against police when he learned that he was dealing with an undercover policeman.