POE: SENATE EXPECTS PNP DRUG CAMPAIGN REPORT

Sen. Grace Poe has asked Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa to provide senators with a report on cases involving drug-related killings amid rising number of deaths since the government intensified its campaign against illegal drugs.

"Humihingi (or hihingi) kami ng kopya ng update dito sa mga imbestigasyon na ito. Kaya lamang, nandoon na tayo, kung matagal man ang imbestigasyon pero sana may imbestigasyon talaga," Poe said in a television interview Friday.

Poe said she fully supports the administration's campaign against illegal drugs, citing the police service's dedication in eliminating this menace, even as she underscored the need to ensure protection of basic human rights. At Thursday's Senate hearing, the senator had asked Dela Rosa to submit an update on cases involving drug-related deaths.

"Gusto natin talagang masugpo na itong problema sa droga kaya lang kasama rin naman ay proteksyunan din ang ating mga kababayan na magkaroon sila ng patas na pagkakataong depensahan ang sarili nila lalong-lalo na kung sumuko na," the senator stressed.

Poe added, "Ang mga Pilipino ngayon ay sawang-sawa na talaga sa krimen at droga kaya pinalalagpas ang lahat ng ito hanggang mangyari sa iyong pamilya o sa iyong kakilala. Sinasabi natin na may hangganan ito. Basta dapat nasa tamang mabilis na proseso."

The anti-drugs campaign must also include rehabilitation programs especially for the poor who cannot afford the high cost of treatment, Poe emphasized, as she urged a partnership between the government and the private sector to address the need for more rehabilitation centers and facilities.

"Kaya nga sa Senado nais namin talagang itaas yung budget para magkaroon naman ng lugar itong mga mahihirap na sumusuko na kailangan ng rehabilitasyon," the senator said.

Dela Rosa admitted that deaths "under investigation" was at 899 from July 1 to August 15, with 665 of these from legitimate operations. Only 22 cases were filed in court with regard to deaths under investigation.