THE deaths of suspected drug perpetrators amid the government’s relentless war against illegal drugs may be a “necessary evil in pursuit of a greater good,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said on Tuesday. Pernia made the comment in a press briefing in Malacañang when asked about his thoughts on the impact of the spate of killings to foreign investors. “The problem is the only ones interviewed by media are those who have been, whose husband or child has been killed. Pernia said the Philippine government must counter the “negative perception” of international observers on the administration’s bloody drive against drugs and make them understand Duterte’s peace and order agenda. As of Aug. 22, the Inquirer’s “Kill List” notes 729 drug-related deaths since June 30 or after President Duterte took office.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer August 23, 2016 11:37 UTC