THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday, July 20, 2022, that it is open to any investigation to shed light on human rights concerns, which have been the basis of a United States lawmaker to seek limits to the security assistance provided by the US to the agency.“Bukas po ang PNP sa pag-iimbestiga po. In fact, we are constantly coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ), relating na din po sa mga kasong iniimbestigahan nila, pertaining din po sa anti-illegal drugs operation which we assume na kasama po tio sa mga sinasabi po nilang alleged violation ng mga human rights po,” PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing in Camp Crame.Last week, Pennsylvania Representative Susan Wild introduced an amendment to the US National Defense Authorization Act proposing that no funds should be appropriated for the provision of assistance to the PNP until it acts on human rights abuses committed by its members.The American legislator listed down four conditions for the PNP in order for aid to continue:* Investigated and prosecuted members of the PNP who violated human rights, ensured that police personnel cooperated with judicial authorities in such cases and affirmed that such violations have ceased* Established that the PNP would protect the rights of journalists, trade unionists, human rights defenders, critics of the government, religious and activists to operate without interference* Taken steps to guarantee a judicial system capable of investigating and prosecuting members of the police and military who have committed human rights abuses* Fully compliant with national and US audits and probe on proper use of prior security assistance.“Taxpayer dollars shouldn’t be used to supply weapons, training, or any other assistance to state security forces that violently target political opponents. My amendment sends a signal that respect for human rights is a cornerstone of US foreign policy, rather than a slogan,” Wild said in a tweet on July 15.Fajardo maintained, however, that the PNP remains committed to advocating and defending human rights.“At kung may mga issue ng human rights, siguro it would be best for both countries na parehong nag-eenjoy ng state sovereignty na hayaan po ang PNP, kasama ang ibang ahensya ng government, to address yung mga isyu ng human rights,” she said.She said the PNP has been a partner of the US government and has received assistance in terms of training and equipment in the field of investigation, drug enforcement and child trafficking over the past years.From June 2016 up to 2021, the PNP received 655 training from the US government, participated by around 11,000 personnel.For this year, the program of the American government includes 115 courses, held in the country as well as abroad.“Kung saka-sakali pong maaprubahan itong amendment na inintroduce ng ating US Representative, ang maapektuhan po ay mga programa po 2023 onwards,” said Fajardo. (SunStar Philippines)