SINISI ng Palasyo ang media sa umano’y maling balita nito kung saan ang mga pulis ang itinuturong nasa likod ng mga extrajudicial killings (EJK) sa bansa.
Iginiit ni Communications Secretary Martin Andanar na hindi ang administrasyon ang nasa likod ng extrajudicial killings.
“Extrajudicial killings are not state-sponsored and we denounce riding-in-tandem murders perpetrated by common criminals wrongly attributed in news reports as part of police operations,” sabi ni Andanar.
Idinagdag ni Andanar na lehitimong operasyon lamang ang isinasagawa ng mga pulis.
“Police authorities who violate procedures are made to answer before the law. Suspected drug personalities who resist and fight back with arms have to be dealt with appropriately. The proper enforcement of our laws requires the use of reasonable force merited by the attendant circumstances,” dagdag ni Andanar.
Ito’y sa harap naman ng pinakahuling survey ng Social Weather Stations (SWS) na 78 porsiyento ng mga Pinoy ang natatakot sa EJK.
“Rest assured that the Duterte administration respects the law and uphold the basic rights of our people, regardless of beliefs and political persuasions,” sabi pa ni Andanar.
Kasabay nito, itinanggi ni Andanar na mga mahihirap lamang ang tinarget ng gobyerno sa kampanya nito kontra droga.
“On the worry of Filipinos about becoming victims of extrajudicial killings, we recognize our people’s concern as we assure them that the government’s anti-drug operations are not aimed at poor, innocent, hapless individuals,” sabi ni Andanar.