‘Iniwan sa ere’ Lawmakers condemn Duterte’s ‘empty promise,’ ‘useless commitment’ to aid police officers facing charges in bloody drug war

TWO leaders of the House Young Guns on Tuesday described as “empty” and “useless” the public commitment made by ex-President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to support the police officers who enforced his bloody drug war, as many now face criminal and administrative charges without the backing they were promised.

Assistant Majority Leaders Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur and Pammy Zamora of Taguig City both expressed concern regarding PNP Chief Rommel Marbil’s revelation that former President Duterte failed to support police officers.

The Chief PNP disclosed that despite Duterte’s public assurances of support, numerous police officers involved in drug war operations have been left to defend themselves in court.

“General Marbil’s disclosure shows that Duterte’s commitment to support his officers was nothing but an empty promise. Many of these officers now face charges without any backing from the former president who had ordered them to ‘neutralize’ drug suspects. Nakakalungkot isipin na pinabayaan sila pagkatapos nilang sumunod sa kanyang kautusan,” Adiong said.

Marbil recently called for stronger support for these officers, indicating that the promised backing for those who took part in Duterte’s anti-drug campaign was never fulfilled.

According to Marbil, the officers who executed Duterte’s orders now face various charges and have been left without the legal and financial support that was once publicly guaranteed to them.

Zamora echoed Adiong’s sentiment, noting that Duterte’s promises now appear to have been little more than a “useless commitment” to those who risked their careers and reputations.

“It’s disheartening to see that the former president abandoned the very officers who implemented his war on drugs. Ang nangyari ay napabayaan na sila matapos silang maglingkod sa ilalim ng kanyang administrasyon,” Zamora said.

Both lawmakers highlighted the alleged reward system that reportedly incentivized drug-related killings during Duterte’s administration.

“These officers were motivated by a system that encouraged results at any cost, and now they’re the ones paying the price. For the former president to make these public declarations of support, only to turn his back on them when they need it most,would seem to be a betrayal of these officers,” Adiong said.

According to Zamora, the failure to fulfill promises of support further underscores the flaws in Duterte’s campaign.

“The President fell short on delivering his promise, much like the shortcomings of his anti-drug war. Ngayong unti-unti na nating napapagtagpi-tagpi ang kwento, tila kinukulang na sa suporta mula sa dating Pangulo ang mga kapulisang dati’y kanyang lubos na pinagkatiwalaan.” Zamora said.

Zamora suggested that the lack of support for these officers has shattered trust in leadership.

“Duterte’s promises create a false sense of security, and as those words turned into weakened assurances, those who followed orders feel double-crossed. This causes damage far beyond the police force; even damaging public trust in our institutions,” Zamora explained.

“A true leader is one who values actions more than words, it is standing by your people when things get difficult,” she added.

Adiong expressed concern for the officers’ well-being as they grapple with the legal repercussions of carrying out Duterte’s orders.

“These officers acted on orders and assurances. Now, they face the consequences alone, and this abandonment is a serious injustice. This is a lesson that leaders must be held accountable for the directives they give,” Adiong said.

“As we seek to prevent future abuse, it’s crucial to provide adequate legal assistance and support to officers who may be unfairly targeted while following directives,” Adiong added.