The Philippine National Police (PNP) has vowed to resolve the reported deaths of at least 461 suspects while under police custody logged in the past three years under the Duterte administration.
“We will resolve everything. We will resolve it first internally,” said PNP Officer in Charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa on Wednesday.
Lawyer Alfegar Triambulo, inspector general of the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the PNP, earlier disclosed that the deaths of suspects while under the custody of the police were recorded from July 2016 up to August this year.
Triambulo also claimed that at least 70 percent of the IAS’s recommendation of sanctions against erring policemen were not acted upon by police officials.
The IAS is the investigating and disciplining authority of the PNP, although its decisions and recommendations are still subject of review by senior police officials.
“The IAS is our partner in maintaining discipline in the PNP. These issues have already reached the PNP and they were being acted upon by our officer in charge,” said PNP Spokesman Chief Supt. Bernard Banac.
Banac assured that all of the cases are being looked into and resolutions would be issued on them in due time.
“That’s the assurance given by General Gamboa,” he said.
Banac also assured the public that the PNP will remain transparent along with all of its actions on the cases. “Justice is needed here and due process will be followed,” he said.