Palace: the public should be "happy" with his team against the rebels

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte's proposal to form a death squad that would target alleged communists remains an "idea" at the moment, but the public should be "happy" if that becomes a reality, Malacañang said Thursday.

Earlier this week, Duterte had announced that he would form a successful group to hunt down the communist "killers" of the New People's Army (NPA) supporters' unit or "sparrows" . to the war on drugs.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the government was still studying the plan, even as Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the counter-insurgency group could be formed by members of the Philippine army.

Despite Duterte's controversial statements on the issue, Panelo said the government would act within the confines of the law and the constitution.

He also dispelled the fears that the formation of such a group would lead people to do themselves justice, a concern that Lorenzana had previously mentioned.

"I do not think it will encourage [violence]. In fact, people will be relieved that this is so, if this idea materializes, it may be that it is not nagbabantay pala his amin [laban sa] mga gustong pumatay his amin. Eh kung ako civil ang, matutuwa ako, "said Panelo at a press conference at the Palace.

(I do not think it will encourage violence.) In fact, people will be relieved that it would be so, if this idea became a reality, there would be someone who would protect us from those who want us. If it was me, I would be happy.)

"We should, in fact, be relieved to see a president doing everything in his power to stop all acts of violence, all acts of crime and all acts of terrorism against civilians."

The chairman of the Commission on Human Rights, Chito Gascon, said that the formation of a death squad would constitute a violation of international humanitarian law (IHL).

"The state still has a duty to protect its citizens from all forms of harm, including illegal violence and terrorist acts. This duty must always be undertaken in accordance with established rules of engagement; due process and guarantees of the rule of law; and the principles of international humanitarian law, "Gascon said in a statement released on Wednesday.

"IHL requires states to use only regular armed forces subject to strict military discipline. This strictly prohibits death squads in all circumstances, "he said.

But Panelo said the intent of the "death squad" was not to simply kill an individual, but to attack people who could endanger the public.

"His opinion is too narrow," said Panelo about Gascon's statement.

Duterte had described his strike team as a group of assassinations that "would match the talent" of the NPA by assassinating government troops.

"We are in a situation where there is a group of men who will kill with impunity. What do you want the state to do? Just sit down [idly by] and watch? We can not do that. It is the duty of the state to protect its citizens, "said Panelo.

Panelo also raised the idea that rebel returnees would be called to join the strike group so that they could easily point fingers at communist rebels.

Peace talks between the government and the Communist Democratic National Front of the Philippines were broken last year due to continued rebel attacks against state troops.

Duterte's latest statement against communist rebels came as a result of his assurance given to exiled communist rebels not to be arrested if they went to the Philippines to revive the peace negotiations.