Malacañang on February 27 said the government is prepared to investigate alleged drug-related killings under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. if supported by concrete evidence.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement following claims by Nicholas Kaufman, counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte in proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC), that such killings allegedly continued under the current administration.
Castro emphasized that accusations must be supported by specific details rather than general figures.
“If there are pieces of evidence that can be submitted, then that’s the right time to investigate this matter,” she said.
She added that Marcos does not want his administration linked to extrajudicial killings.
“Hindi po gugustuhin ng Pangulo na mabahiran ang administrasyon na ito ng madugong extrajudicial killing, dahil hindi po iyan ang kaniyang legasiya,” Castro said.
Castro urged individuals making allegations to provide information directly to law enforcement and investigative bodies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
“Kung sino po ang nagsasabi niyan, magbigay agad sila ng kanilang mga detalye… para ito po ay maimbestigahan,” she said.
She further stressed that investigations can proceed independently of a presidential directive.
“Hindi po kailangang mag-utos pa ang Pangulo, trabaho po ito ng mga investigative bodies natin para kung sino iyong dapat managot, dapat na managot,” she added.