Malacañang alleges media members’ involvement in illegal drugs

PNP chief de la Rosa’s claims on media members’ involvement in the illegal drug trade was defended by presidential spokesperson Ernie Abella on Saturday, who said that de la Rosa’s suspicion is well-founded on intelligence reports.

“Meron nga pong ano rin, sinabi po si PNP chief dela Rosa, base sa isang report, na meron din daw pong mga taga-media na either hindi naman yata drug lords, pero parang protectors, or gumagamit din po,” Abello stated in state-run PTV-4.

Photo by japantimes.co.jp

However, it was not confirmed whether de la Rosa holds a list of names of media members who are suspected to be involved in illegal drugs.

After President Rodrigo Duterte dropped the names of five active and retired generals who are purportedly entangled in illegal drug trade, he also speculated that several mayors are also involved.

All these are part of the administration’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs, the flagship of Duterte’s promises during his campaign period.

However, the consistently increasing numbers of killed drug suspects has drawn the attention of lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, and as well as other human rights defenders.

Diokno asserted that Duterte has generated a bandwagon of hate—“a mob mentality that not only condones but encourages the taking of lives because they deserve it.”

In response, Abella told Diokno not to base such complaints on speculations and reportage.

“Pero kung talagang meron pong mga pruweba, if there’s substantive evidence and proven, the Palace, the government is also of course open to any investigation,” Abella added.

Senator Leila de Lima, also a known human rights defender, has announced that she will conduct a legislative probe on the killings of drug suspects. | ASCS - FNPH

Also Read: Journalist tells Duterte: Bring it on Mr. President, we will take your challenge

Source: GMA News

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