Bohol PNP, ready to let journalists join drug raids 

to disprove allegations of extrajudicial killings

TAGBILARAN CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA)--The Philippine National Police (PNP) - Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) is ready to let journalists join during anti-illegal drug operations as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte to disprove growing allegations on extrajudicial killings.

BPPO Provincial Director, Sr. Supt. Felipe Natividad on Thursday said that local police force is ready to let journalists tag along during anti-illegal drug operations to disprove growing allegations on extrajudicial killings.

According to Natividad, the BPPO welcomed the directive, which Duterte issued after a televised Senate investigation into the accusations wherein Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa wept as he asserted that the PNP has no specific mandate to kill suspects.

However, the provincial director said preparations and security briefings will still have to be carried out before the operation to keep journalists from harm. 

Although Natividad said that media personnel will not be a nuisance, he reiterated that protocols will need to be observed to avoid compromising the operatives’ safety and the success of the operation.

He also added that the budget for the protective gear for journalists such as bullet proof vests needs to be discussed first.

The Philippine president ordered police on Tuesday to let journalists join raids in his crackdown on illegal drugs to disprove growing allegations of extrajudicial killings, but warned reporters they could get shot.

Duterte's crackdown which has left thousands of suspects dead, has come under renewed scrutiny after police gunned down a teenager they described as a drug dealer who fired at officers during a raid, but whose family and witnesses said was a student who was shot as he pleaded for his life. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)