Philippines: 27 dead since anti-drug drive re-launched

By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines

At least 27 suspects have been killed since Philippine police re-launched their campaign against illegal drugs last week, according to police figures Wednesday.

The drive was suspended Jan. 30 following widespread criticisms of alleged abuses under the campaign, during which more than 7,000 people were killed since President Rodrigo Duterte’s inauguration June 30.

According to national police, around 2,550 of the deaths occurred during anti-drug operations while the majority were attributed to vigilante-style killings.

According to data submitted by regional offices to national police headquarters, 27 suspects were killed as of Wednesday in 679 drug operations conducted since March 6.

Meanwhile, 1,102 suspects were arrested during the period and 1,539 others surrendered.

When the initial drive was halted, National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa had vowed a “less bloody, if not bloodless” campaign.

The suspension came after several officers were accused of killing a South Korean businessman at national police headquarters.

“We will cleanse our ranks… then maybe after that, we can resume our war on drugs,” he said Jan. 30.