MANILA - The Supreme Court on Tuesday required the government to submit reports on the death of more than 3,800 drug suspects under its campaign against illegal drugs in connection with petitions seeking a halt of the crackdown over alleged abuses.

Magistrates of the high court denied Solicitor General Jose Calida's motion for reconsideration which argued that the documents being sought by the court cannot be submitted since they involve sensitive information that has national security implications.

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The High Court instead directed the government to comply with its initial order for the submission of documents within 15 days from receipt of the notice.

The court first compelled the government to submit the documents during oral arguments on petitions challenging the legality of the fierce anti-narcotics campaign, where thousands had been killed.

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These included personal information of those killed, copies of warrants if issued, pre-operation plans, and post-operation reports.

Calida had earlier agreed to submit the requested documents and even asked for an extension to submit government's memoranda, or a pleading that wraps up its arguments on the case, due to "voluminous" documents.

Government has many times defended the anti-drug campaign, saying it was not behind reported summary killings. Officials have said some 4,000 killed in police raids had resisted arrest, prompting officers to defend themselves.

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