Anti-drug operations always in line with the rule of law, President tells US envoy

President Duterte has assured the United States about his resolve to keep the government’s anti-drug operations within the bounds of law and not to tolerate abusive policemen.

The President defended his campaign against illegal drugs after US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim reportedly called for the investigation on the recent drug killings during their meeting in Malacañang last Wednesday.

The mutual concerns on the campaign against terrorism as well as protection of human rights were also tackled in the President’s meeting with the US envoy.

“The US Ambassador said he understands the challenges faced by the Duterte administration in fighting the drug menace. The US official further stressed the need to facilitate investigation of drug-related deaths to ensure continued people’s confidence in the government,” a press release from the Palace read.

“The President in response, said the anti-drug operations of the police have always been in line with the rule of law; adding that his administration never condoned abusive cops,” it said.

The controversial death of 17year-old Kian delos Santos in Caloocan was also raised during the President’s meeting with the US ambassador. Duterte explained that the policemen implicated in the killing of Delos Santos have already been placed under arrest.

In the same meeting with the US official, the President affirmed there would be no letup in the campaign against the illegal drug trade.

“President Duterte further stressed his commitment to end the ‘vicious and toxic’ drug problem, which he said, could destroy a ‘fragile Philippine Republic,’” the Palace said.

Duterte also explained to Kim that he had no hand in the Lower House’s initial decision to reduce the 2018 budget of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) during their meeting.

“The Chief Executive clarified that he never directed Congress to cut the agency’s budget, adding that he cannot control the decisions of the legislative body,” the Palace news release read.

The President also echoed his invitation to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) to set up an office in the country. He said he was ready to allow the UNCHR to conduct independent probes on alleged cases of human rights violations.

The US ambassador, meantime, reiterated Washington’s all-out support for the Philippines in its fight against terrorism, according to the Palace.

Washington earlier extended 1730-million assistance through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to the relief and rehabilitation in war-torn Marawi City.

“President Duterte expressed gratitude to the US government for its assistance and assured that it would be put to good use,” the Palace said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar were among the officials present in the President’s meeting with the US envoy.