PNP to coordinate with DOJ on EJK probe

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it will support the Department of Justice (DOJ) in its investigation into the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the drug war of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajaro said “the PNP will support and closely coordinate with the [National Bureau of Investigation] and DOJ in their efforts to come up with a credible investigation with respect to the sensational cases mentioned during the congressional hearing.”

“And of course including those questionable police operations that resulted in the deaths of so many.”

The police official said the Justice Department’s move is a welcome development as the PNP has been supportive to the efforts of the DOJ in conducting investigations.

According to Fajardo, the PNP has also launched its own probe into the sensational cases that were mentioned during the hearings of the House of Representatives Quad Committee (QuadComm).

Earlier, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla ordered the creation of a task force made up of prosecutors and NBI agents to investigate EJKs in Duterte’s drug war.

Based on Memorandum Order No. 778 that GMA News Online obtained from sources, the task force will be under the Office of the Secretary and will "investigate, assist in the conduct of case build-up, and if warranted, file the appropriate criminal charges in court against the perpetrators and all those involved in extrajudicial killings during the previous administration's anti-illegal drugs campaign."

The task is also in line with the ongoing probe by the QuadComm and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

“A team composed of the appropriate number of officers, agents, and personnel from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), as may be required, shall likewise be constituted to assist the Task Force in its work,” the order stated.

The task force will closely coordinate with QuadComm, Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, PNP, Witness Protection Program, Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and relevant government agencies to ensure the efficient gathering and sharing of information, as well as the facilitation of operational support necessary, including to effectively secure and interview witnesses, for a comprehensive investigation and case build-up.

“The Task Force is authorized to withdraw funds from their respective offices, subject to availability, in the conduct of its meetings and activities towards the fulfillment of the objectives of this Department Order,” the order read.

Remulla said the task force “shall submit its report to the Secretary of Justice no later than 60 days from the issuance of this Joint Department Order”. —RF, GMA Integrated News