Task force on drug war EJK formed

Metro Manila, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has formed a task force on extrajudicial killings linked to the bloody drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Issued Nov. 4, Department Order 778 created the task force that will investigate the drug war and conduct case buildup. It will be under the Office of the Secretary of Justice Prosecution Staff.

The task force may file necessary cases against the perpetrators and those involved, if warranted.

It will also coordinate and assist the Senate Blue Ribbon panel and the House quad committee, which are both holding a congressional inquiry on Duterte’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

To assist the task force, a team from the National Bureau of Investigation may also be established.

"Spare no one, hold accountable every personality who had a hand in the senseless killing perpetrated by abusive persons in authority during the past admin's anti-illegal drug campaign," Remulla said in a statement on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

The task force will submit a report to Remulla not more than two months from the order issuance.

Based on official records, the drug war death toll is about 6,000. But human rights data show killings reached over 20,000.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.