Duterte shoot-to-kill order against the law – Palace

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang warned Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte yesterday that a shoot-to-kill order is against the law even if it was meant to keep peace and order in his jurisdiction.

The Palace’s warning was in reaction to Duterte’s threats to kill criminals if they come and operate in the city.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) also reprimanded Duterte that law enforcement and peacekeeping in accordance with law are the proper remedies to maintain an orderly community, and not threats of death.

“We understand the need of any local chief executive to keep the peace in his jurisdiction or in his area of responsibility. However, this must be done within the bounds of law,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over radio dzRB.

Valte said the law could not be violated for the sake of peace and order as the police could provide security needed by the citizens.

She said police visibility could be increased and the authorities would know what to do to keep the public safe.

The threat has reportedly shaken the residents who feared the possible eruption of violence and excessive use of force by government agents.

Though the CHR agreed with Duterte that illegal activities have no place in Davao City, the agency said it’s the law that must prevail.

“Crimes and criminals may proliferate and cause havoc to a community, but these cannot be a reason to commit crimes against the criminals themselves,” CHR Chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales said as she noted that due process must always be accorded to every person accused of a crime.

She said Duterte and the officials of Davao City, as agents of the state, should always be the first to uphold the law and to respect the human rights of all.

Duterte gave the local police a shoot-to-kill order against all armed criminals who would enter their city.

City police director Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa said this was the order of Duterte before they launched the assault that killed three kidnappers on Thursday.

The police operation led to the rescue of kidnap victim Sally Chua, a Filipino Chinese businesswoman from Quezon City.                 – With Rhodina Villanueva