Int’l observers who want a closer look at PH drug campaign welcome – Cayetano

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano expressed the Philippine government's readiness to receive independent observers or investigators who could take a closer look at drug problem and the government's campaign to eradicate it, in a meeting with United States (US) Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in

Washington last Wednesday.

Secretary Cayetano said he informed Secretary Tillerson that Manila would welcome continued cooperation with Washington, especially on initiatives that would address the illegal drugs problem in the country.

"We made it clear that we have nothing to hide and that we are ready to work with experts or observers as long as they are independent and fair," Secretary Cayetano said.

"We would welcome experts if they can assure us they would not politicize the investigations because we want to make sure the outcome would be credible," Cayetano said as he again emphasized the seriousness of the illegal drug problem in the Philippines.

"In the 25 years that I have been in public service, I have seen statistics from various sources placing the number of drug users and dependents from as low as one million to as high as seven million," the secretary said. "Although the statistics, the classification of users, and the methodology used vary, they all still point to the seriousness of the illegal drug problem is in the Philippines.”

Cayetano told Secretary Tillerson that contrary to some media reports, the Philippines does not have a state policy allowing extra-judicial killings, especially of illegal drug suspects.

During the meeting, Secretary Cayetano also expressed the Philippine government’s appreciation for the $2-million assistance that Washington extended to support the government campaign against illegal drugs.

The amount, which is covered under the Amendment to the Existing Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, is intended to support Philippine initiatives on public health and community-based interventions.

The amendment was signed by Secretary Cayetano and US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim in Manila last September 8.