Over 1,200 cops faced death or injury during Duterte drug war

Over 1,200 police officers faced various challenges, including death and injury, during former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war from July 2016 to June 2022, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil stated that 312 police officers died and 974 were injured in the line of duty during this period.

Additionally, 214 police officers faced 352 criminal cases, with 195 dismissed and 398 facing dismissal for various reasons.

Marbil highlighted that despite the PNP's commitment to support, many officers had to bear the consequences of their involvement in the anti-drug campaign largely on their own.

He emphasized that the numbers reflect the significant toll the anti-drug campaign took on the police force, acknowledging that many officers also paid a price.

This disclosure follows former President Duterte's recent admission that he instructed policemen to "encourage suspected criminals to fight back" to justify their killing.