Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has pledged to hold responsible any police officers found culpable in recent violent anti-drug operations in Davao City. Following Mayor Baste Duterte’s declaration of an intensified drug war, a series of operations resulted in seven deaths, leading to a police probe. Abalos emphasized the importance of accountability, indicating that officers must face consequences if these were not instances of legitimate self-defense.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has responded by disarming and suspending seven officers pending the investigation’s outcome. This action reflects broader concerns, as Davao City has witnessed a significant number of drug-related fatalities, with 28 deaths recorded in early 2024. The PNP’s commitment to a thorough inquiry underscores the gravity of the situation and the imperative for justice and scrutiny in law enforcement’s approach to drug-related offenses.