Police behind drug deaths seek Church protection

with policemen who ran to the Church to “confess” their alleged participation in extra-judicial killings.

“It’s okay. It’s good that they will come out. We have no problem with that. Everyone is after truth and justice,” he in a chance interview after attending the Senate investigation into the deaths of teenagers Kian Loyd de los Santos and Carl Arnaiz during alleged drug operations.

“In fact, I’m happy that they are brave enough to tell the truth—if they will really say the truth,” the PNP chief added.

Sen. Grace Poe also welcomed the willingness of policemen to speak about their involvement in the killings.

“And I laud the Church in opening its arms wide to provide sanctuary for them. Traditionally the Church offers sanctuary for those who need protection from political persecution,” she said in a text message.

Fr. Robert Reyes, who was invited as a resource person during the probe, said priests would not join policemen in their drug operations under “Oplan Tokhang” or “Double Barrel” as suggested by the PNP.

“Our conscience dictates that we should not legitimize [that] operation from the very beginning. We decided the war on drugs is immoral. You do not solve a health issue with police force. A drug addict is sick. He needs medical or psychiatric attention,” Reyes said.

of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs who is leading the probe, urged Reyes to present the policemen who had decided to seek the protection of the Church.

Reyes replied: “The problem is that they are afraid to come out.”