THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has formed a task force with a 60-day deadline to determine if there is sufficient evidence to hold former President Rodrigo Duterte accountable for his anti-illegal drug campaign.
Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said the task force has been given 60 days to submit an update, outlining potential charges and whether the DOJ’s prosecution service can proceed with a preliminary investigation.
The task force is coordinating with the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee, the Senate, the Commission on Human Rights, the Philippine National Police, and other law enforcement agencies to gather information and assess its potential use as evidence.
The task force is specifically examining possible violations of International Humanitarian Law under Republic Act 9851, the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity.
Vasquez stated that if sufficient evidence is found, the task force will file a formal complaint with the DOJ to initiate a preliminary investigation.
Based on Department Order No. 778, the task force is mandated to investigate, conduct case build-up, and if necessary, file charges against those responsible for and involved in extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
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