Palace on allegation cops behind abduction of drug suspects in Manila: Wait for probe results

Malacañang has deferred comment on the allegations of two arrested suspects in Manila that the police paid them to pinpoint drug suspects, saying that such claim is void of proof so far.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was referring to the two suspects nabbed by the National Bureau of Investigation for kidnapping three individuals who are supposedly suspected drug peddlers.

The two suspects claim they are police assets, and paid P100,000 for every kilo of shabu that will be seized.

“That [supposed scheme of the police paying an asset for kidnapping] is illegal. But it is an allegation. We will have this investigated,” Roque said.

“Madali lang sabihin ‘yang ganyang bagay [na bayarang police asset sila]. Antayin natin ang imbestigasyon,” Roque added.

The Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) already called on victims of President Duterte’s war on drugs to submit their views, concerns, and expectations regarding the possible ICC probe.

The ICC probe was requested by former ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda due to “reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity has been committed in the context of the drug war.”

The 52-page Bensouda report, citing police, human rights groups, and confidential sources, also stated that the administration's drug war had a pattern of killing suspects who are not resisting arrest, with some even begging for their lives to be spared.

The same Bensouda report stated that over 6,000 drug suspects have been killed under police operations, but 12,000 to 30,000 others were killed by vigilantes who are also working with law enforcers.—AOL, GMA News