Go to PNP chief: Will it help if Rodrigo...

more than 6,000 drug suspects, according to government data.

Go also told Acorda not to allow the drug war launched under the Duterte administration to simply go to waste.

Since then, ABS-CBN has taken a different path in preserving its business, signing deals with international channels and online sites.

The network has also signaled its commitment to go digital, putting into question the future of its traditional platforms, including radio.

While the company continued to operate online and through its cable channels, the non-renewal of its franchise led to the closure of its regional networks and the layoff of thousands of employees.

“The company is deeply saddened by this closure and having to part ways with the many passionate and committed people who have made Teleradyo an important source of news and information for many Filipinos,” ABS-CBN said.

Romualdez was among the 70 lawmakers who voted in favor of a congressional resolution to deny ABS-CBN of a new franchise. g

But Acorda, who has only been at the helm of the PNP for barely a month, said he is not sure if he is in a position to answer the senator’s question.

“I don’t know if I can comment on that, and what would be the setup, but anything on the campaign against illegal drugs, I will be supportive,” Acorda said.

Duterte’s war on drugs killed

Human rights groups, however, believe this figure could reach up to 30,000 if it includes in the tally the victims of vigilante-style killings.

The erstwhile president and his former police chief – panel chair Sen. Ronald dela Rosa – are among the subjects of an investigation by the International Criminal Court on alleged crimes against humanity under the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

Also being probed by the international tribunal are the purported killings of the so-called Davao Death Squad during Duterte’s term as city mayor. The possibility of having Duterte as the anti-drug czar is not a new talking point. Days before Duterte ended his six-year run as chief executive in June last year, Malacañang said he had declined the offer to lead the government’s anti-illegal drug efforts under the administration of his successor Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. g