Philippines: Human Rights Concerns Raised Over Increased Drug Arrests

The Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has raised concerns about the new PNP Chief's directive to increase drug arrests. CHR spokesperson, Commissioner Beda A. Epres, stated, "We are alarmed because this directive prioritizes numbers over due process." The video shows PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III stating that the number of arrests is a performance metric for police officers in the campaign against illegal drugs. Commissioner Epres explained that this approach could lead to human rights abuses, including wrongful arrests and violations of due process. The CHR is calling for a clear policy that emphasizes the correct procedures for arrests. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between the government's war on drugs and concerns about human rights in the Philippines.