PNP fully aware of CHR role, mandate: Dela Rosa

FILE: Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald Dela Rosa. (PNA photo)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) recognizes and is well aware of the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in ensuring checks and balances in the government.

This, according to PNP chief, Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, shortly after a meeting with CHR Chairman Jose Luis “Chito” Gascon in Camp Crame, Quezon City late Tuesday.

Dela Rosa said the police force understands that human rights is an obligation of state agents.

“We have accepted that the CHR monitors the conduct of state agents,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino.

The meeting took place after Senator Panfilo Lacson asked for cooperation between the two agencies to discuss matters concerning the campaign against illegal drugs during the August 24 Senate inquiry on the death of Kian Loyd Delos Santos.

In the spirit of transparency, openness and full disclosure, the CHR also asked for the case folders and checklist of all cases involving deaths in relation to the campaign against drugs.

Gascon said that in order to fully perform CHR’s mandate, the office needs the full cooperation of PNP and the Department of Interior and Local Government in providing complete information on these drug-related cases.

“We hope to sustain this kind of avenue for exchange of views and perspectives. We (the CHR and the PNP) both just want to speak the truth to power and justice. And justice could only be obtained if the rule of law is respected and protected,” he added.

The CHR chair also welcomed the opportunity for both agencies to strengthen collaboration in upholding the rule of law and to ensure effective monitoring and investigation of drug-related cases. (PNA)