Manila 5th District Rep. Benny Abante
The House human rights panel, chaired by Bienvenido Abante Jr., will conduct an inquiry into the drug war deaths that occurred during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The investigation, scheduled for May 22, aims to address alleged extrajudicial killings during the anti-drug police operations.
Abante emphasized the importance of valuing every life and ensuring due process rights for all individuals, even those accused of drug-related offenses.
While government records indicate around 6,200 drug suspects were killed, human rights organizations argue that the actual number may be as high as 30,000 due to unreported incidents.
Past officials from Duterte’s administration, including former PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde and former Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, may also be invited to participate in the inquiry.
The investigation seeks justice for the victims and sheds light on potential human rights abuses during the drug war policy implemented under Duterte’s leadership. (ALEX PIERSON)
