Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has committed to conducting a transparent investigation into the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) that occurred during the previous administration's war on drugs, ensuring that the process remains free from political influence. This assurance was made by Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres during an interview on the People's Television (PTV) Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon news program. Andres emphasized that former President Rodrigo Duterte might be called to appear before the DOJ task force investigating EJK cases from his administration, in accordance with due process. According to Philippines News Agency, Andres stated that Duterte's potential appearance before the task force is a procedural obligation to ensure he is given the opportunity to present his statement in a fair investigation, with the support of legal counsel. He clarified, "It is not because we want to call him, but it is our obligation to give him the opportunity to be heard... so that it will be in conformity with the requirements of the rule of law." Andres reiterated that the investigation aims to uphold the law, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their power or status, are treated equally. He stated, "There's no other agenda but to enforce the law to the limit so that we can show to the world and to our citizens that no one is above the law." Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has established a task force through Department Order (DO) 778 on November 4. This task force, under the Office of the Secretary of Justice Prosecution Staff (OSJPS), is led by a Senior Assistant State Prosecutor and co-led by a Regional Prosecutor, along with nine members from the National Prosecution Service (NPS). The task force is charged with investigating, building cases, and filing necessary charges against those involved in the EJKs during the previous administration's anti-illegal drugs campaign. Additionally, the task force has been directed to collaborate with the House of Representatives Quad Commi ttee and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in their respective inquiries into the war on drugs. Secretary Remulla has emphasized the importance of accountability, instructing the task force to hold every individual who contributed to the unlawful killings accountable, regardless of their authority or influence. The DOJ has indicated that the alleged offenses could be prosecuted under Republic Act No. 9851, the 2009 law addressing Crimes against Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes of Humanity.