PNP relieves 7 police officers involve in the killing of 7 suspected drug pushers in Davao City

DAVAO CITY –— The Philippine National Police on Wednesday ordered the relief of seven police personnel involved in the anti-illegal drugs operations which resulted to the death of seven suspected drug pushers here.

Police Colonel Jean Fajardo, spokesperson of the PNP in an interview with reporters said the police personnel were relieved their posts to pave the way for the investigation into these operations.

“[To] pave the way for the impartial investigation, the police officers involved in the anti-drugs operation have been temporarily relieved from their positions and disarmed,” Fajardo said.

In the record of the PNP, from January 1 to March 25 of this year, 28 individuals were killed in the operation against illegal drugs in Davao City. Seven were killed in the operation from March 22 to 26, while 17 were arrested in 21 anti-illegal drug operations.

Davao City police also confiscated an estimated P1.3 million worth of shabu and 7 guns. Fajardo said that the Davao City Police maintained that their operation was legitimate and that they are open to the investigation.

It can be recalled that Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte declared a drug war last Friday. In his speech Mayor Duterte warned alleged drug pushers in Davao to get stop their illegal activities or leave the city or he will “kill” them.

Fajardo said Police Chief Brig. Gen. Acorda did not issue a new order to conduct the anti-illegal drug campaign.

“Our Chief, PNP, said that one death is too many, that’s why the PNP leadership is investigating,” he said.

“While we maintain our aggressive stance against illegal activities, including involvement in illegal drugs, we have to always adhere to the principle of respect for human rights and the [police operational procedure],” Fajardo said.