Philippine police kill 32 in drugs war’s bloodiest day

Manila, August 16 

The Philippine police said today that an updated report shows anti-drug operations in a northern province this week left 32 alleged drug offenders dead, 11 more than earlier reported as the highest death toll in a single day since President Rodrigo Duterte launched his war on drugs a year ago.

Senior Superintendent Romeo M Caramat Jr said 67 police operations in various parts of Bulacan province yesterday left 32 suspects killed in encounters with police, while 109 others were arrested.

Confiscated during the operations were more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, 786 grams of marijuana, assorted firearms, grenades and ammunition. The police records show since the nationwide crackdown started, more than 3,200 alleged drug offenders have been killed in gunbattles with law enforcers.

More than 2,000 others died in drug-related homicides, including attacks by motorcycle-riding masked gunmen and other assaults. Human rights groups report a higher toll and demand an independent investigation into Duterte’s possible role in the violence. — AP