PRO-Central Luzon disagrees with report on Bulacan as ‘killing field’

THE Police Regional Office-Central Luzon said it respects the human rights group Amnesty International’s report on the Philippines’ war on drugs but strongly disagrees with its declaration that Bulacan province is now the country’s “bloodiest killing field” in relation to the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

“Our anti-illegal drugs operations in Region 3 is not confined in Bulacan alone but is being implemented region wide with my solid directive that it must be done in accordance with the law and with utmost respect for human rights,” Brigadier General Joel Napoleon Coronel said.

According to Coronel, their anti-illegal drugs operations in Central Luzon have not solely taken its toll on slain drug pushers and users only who died during legitimate police operations. The men and women in uniform are also susceptible and are at risk of their lives.

Records reveal that from the start of “Project: Double Barrel” program in July 2016 to date, four Central Luzon cops were killed while 12 were seriously injured during actual police operations, Coronel said.

“As law enforcers and agents of the state, our primary duty is to serve and keep our communities safe, secure and drug-free even if we put ourselves in harm’s way, and we will continue to be relentless in our campaign to rid-off Region 3 of illegal drugs as we vow to uphold the Rule of Law at all times,” he said.

Coronel added that at the PRO-Central Luzon, they do not condone any unlawful demeanor perpetrated by any of their members, especially during the conduct of anti-illegal drugs operations.

“As part of our PNP Internal Cleansing program, from 2016 to date, 40 PNP personnel who were found involved in drug-related activities were already administratively charged and 35 of them were dismissed from the PNP service, and five were suspended.

“We continue to appeal to everyone for their support and understanding that the fight against illegal drugs is a shared responsibility of everyone. It is the fight of the people and the Police are the frontliners in waging this people’s fight. Let us all unite to win the war against illegal drugs,” he said.