UN unwelcome to probe drug war—Palace

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

Malacañang on Saturday said the United Nations and other international bodies were not welcome to look into national matters such as the Duterte administration’s war against drugs, which it said drew “unwarranted attention” from observers.

Reacting to a tweet by UN special rapporteur on summary executions Agnes Callamard, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Philippine government has not offered invitation to any third party to look into its state affairs as “we are capable of our own internal dialogue.”

READ: UN exec accepts Palace challenge to visit PH

“The President therefore finds the pronouncements from certain bodies as unwelcome meddling in national matters. The drug situation is being responsibly addressed by Philippine authorities, and so-called investigations by third parties are objectionable interference in the household affairs of a nation whose citizens welcome the change that the President and his people friendly policies and programs being set in place,” Abella said in a statement.

This was after Callamard, in an exchange with chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, accepted the latter’s challenge to see for herself the real drug situation in the Philippines: “Invitation to investigate welcomed. Ready to ‘see for myself.’”

But Abella said Callamard only assumed that she was invited to investigate the spate of killings in the country, as he reiterated the Duterte government’s adherence to the rule of law in its relentless drive against illegal drugs.

“The President has made it clear that arresting officers are allowed to defend themselves, their lives or team. The same police enforcers are subject to rule of law should they go beyond their mandate. Beyond these, the President operates under the presumption of regularity in the drive against drugs,” Abella said.

READ: UN rapporteurs air concern over PH drug killings

“The liberal Western values being imposed upon an Asian nation that places premium on common good is both insensitive and displays a lack of appreciation for the diversity of global culture,” he added.

As of Aug. 18, the Inquirer’s “Kill List” notes 684 drug-related deaths since June 30 or after President Duterte took office. IDL