Truth Commission pushes investigation into incentives tied to Philippines' anti-drug campaign
A former non-uniformed Philippine National Police officer recalled a 2018 meeting where then-PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa expressed anger over low numbers of drug-related killings, prompting the Truth Commission to seek a probe into alleged reward schemes.
The officer, who asked to stay anonymous, said Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa visited Cagayan de Oro in 2018 and was upset that few drug suspects had been killed in operations. He recounted the tense discussion among senior police officials in Northern Mindanao about the performance of the anti-drug drive. The Truth Commission has now announced plans to investigate possible reward systems linked to the campaign that took place under President Rodrigo Duterte. The interview was given to the Inquirer, highlighting concerns about potential backlash for insiders speaking out.
Why it matters
It could reveal whether officials profited from lethal anti-drug tactics, affecting accountability for past human-rights abuses.
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