How the PNP administers their war on drugs. Are there any police deviances that occured during the implementation of the program?
The Philippine National Police (PNP) administers their war on drugs through a strategy called "Oplan Tokhang." The program involves police officers visiting suspected drug users or pushers at their homes, encouraging them to surrender, and offering them rehabilitation services. However, there have been reported cases of police deviances and human rights abuses during the implementation of the program. Some of them include:
1. Extrajudicial Killings: There have been numerous allegations of extrajudicial killings carried out by some police officers under the guise of the war on drugs. Human rights organizations claim that these killings often target low-level drug users or small-time drug dealers, rather than high-profile drug lords. The exact number of extrajudicial killings is disputed, with estimates ranging from thousands to more than 30,000 deaths.
2. Arbitrary Arrests and Detentions: There have been cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions where people, often innocent individuals, are rounded up without proper evidence or due process. The practice of planting drugs as evidence has also been reported.
3. Torture and Abuse: There are allegations of police officers torturing and abusing suspects to extract information or force them to confess to drug-related crimes.
4. Corruption: Instances of police officers involved in drug trade or accepting bribes in exchange for not pursuing drug-related cases have been reported. They sometimes exploit the war on drugs for personal gain.
5. Lack of Accountability: Critics argue that there has been a lack of accountability for these police deviances. Many cases go unsolved, and few police officers have been held accountable for human rights violations.
It is important to note that while the aforementioned deviances have been reported during the implementation of the program, not all police officers engaged in such practices. The focus on these instances should not overshadow the efforts of those who genuinely work towards eradicating illegal drugs while respecting human rights.