DAVAO CITY: Two more drug suspects were killed here in separate incidents Tuesday, March 26, bringing the death toll to seven since Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte declared war on illegal drugs on March 22.

Four days after Duterte warned drug dealers and users that they should leave the city or he would kill them, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) recorded seven suspects killed in police operations after they allegedly fought back. All of them were said to be armed with.38 revolvers.

DRUG-FREE TRAVEL. Some 600 bus and van drivers undergo drug testing at Davao City Overland Transport Terminal on Tuesday (March 26, 2024). The Land Transportation Office, various government agencies and the city government conducted the surprise drug to ensure safe travels, especially during the busy Holy Week. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed "deep concern" over the recent drug-related deaths, saying that every person has the right to life, "even if they are arrested for an alleged criminal offense."

"The CHR strongly condemns the alarming incidents of alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the anti-drug campaign in Davao City, as these acts represent grave violations of fundamental human rights, particularly the right to life and due process, and are in direct violation of the principles of justice and the rule of law," the commission said in a statement Tuesday.

Based on DCPO records, police stations around the city have conducted 21 anti-drug operations since March 22 and have arrested 17 persons.

During these operations, police seized a total of 202,6400 grams of shabu and 60.3600 grams of marijuana.

Police have filed 22 drug cases.

DCPO spokesman Cpt. Hazel Tuazon said that even before Duterte's declaration, the campaign against illegal drugs had already been intensified.

From March 10 until March 22, DCPO said it arrested 84 drug suspects and killed six people in 62 illegal drug operations.

The latest casualty was a resident of Toril Poblacion named Elisado Paquibot, alias Lupin and alias Ninin, who was considered a high-value target in the city.

The two suspects, who were both armed with.38 revolvers, died in separate incidents in Toril Poblacion early Tuesday morning.

The CHR said extrajudicial killings would not solve the drug problem.

"Using extrajudicial means undermines the rule of law and destroys faith in legal systems, ultimately hindering genuine efforts to address the root causes of drug-related problems in the country," it said.

The commission also pointed to the value of comprehensive and effective drug abuse and trafficking prevention initiatives.

"True progress, however, can only be accomplished by instituting policies that promote human rights values and adhere to legal frameworks that no longer encourage more violence, instability and a culture of impunity," the CHR said.

WITH MOISES CRUZ

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