By Patricia Lourdes Viray
MANILA, Philippines — The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, under the US Congress, will hold an inquiry into the Philippines' war on drugs on Thursday.
The US Congress commission has invited witnesses that will analyze the implementation of the so-called war on drugs and its consequence for the human rights situation in the Philippines.
Among the panelists for the upcoming hearing are iDEFEND Philippines spokesperson Ellecer Carlos, Amnesty International Senior Crisis Advisor Matthew Wells and Human Rights Watch Asia Division Deputy Director Phelim Kine.
"They will also provide policy recommendations for ensuring accountability for human rights violations and for addressing the problems of drug abuse and trafficking in ways consistent with promoting public health and strengthening rule of law," the US Congress commission said.
The US had been supporting the Philippine National Police in its counterterrorism and counternarcotics campaign.
PNP data showed that 7,025 drug-related killings have been carried out from July 1, 2016 and January 21, 2017 — an average of 34 per day.
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