The newly established EJK Truth Commission has revealed that many police officers are willing to share their experiences during the bloody drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Police Officers Come Forward
According to EJK Truth Commission Executive Director Carlos Conde, even before the independent body was formed, some police officers had already expressed their readiness and desire to recount their harrowing experiences. Conde noted that during the drug war, officers often had to blindly follow orders from national headquarters, even if those orders went against their conscience.
Lack of Voice in the System
Conde explained that police officers had no opportunity to speak out or complain against the system and organization they belonged to, due to strict adherence to the chain of command. The Truth Commission aims to provide a venue for officers to share their experiences and trauma from the bloody operations, and how these affected their overall well-being.
Understanding the Police Perspective
The group also seeks to understand what was going through the minds of police officers during operations that resulted in thousands of deaths. This is why, Conde said, experts are part of the commission. The group promises to protect the identities of the officers and ensure that their testimonies will not affect their continued service.
Documentation of Testimonies
All these accounts, along with the stories of victims of the bloody anti-illegal drugs campaign, will be documented by the Truth Commission, Conde assured.
