By Meanne Corvera
Eagle News Service
Several senators on Friday issued reminders to the Philippine National Police amid the possibility of them returning to the war on drugs.
Senator JV Ejercito said President Rodrigo Duterte’s “words of strong support” for them were not a “license..to go on a killing spree,” should they officially return.
“Protection and respect for human rights should be upheld at all times,” he said.
According to Senate President Koko Pimentel, “all concerned and all involved (should) conduct the all-out war on drugs in accordance with the law.”
“That’s the President’s call / prerogative. This is his administration and its declared priority is the all-out war against drugs (among others). Let him pursue that in accordance with his own strategy,” he said.
President Duterte floated the possibility of giving the police a role in the war on drugs once again.
This was after authorities noted what they said was a spike in crimes in the absence of policemen in drug operations.