PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has cited the new 4-Year Anti-Drug Campaign Roadmap of the Philippine National Police (PNP) headed by General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil.

The Commander-in-Chief said he was heartened to see that the new anti-drug campaign roadmap not only focuses on both supply and demand reduction but has also infused initiatives on health and social development.

He referred to the PNP strategy to provide alternative livelihood programs for drug users who have already served their jail term or successfully underwent treatment and rehabilitation programs, said PNP spokesperson Brigadier Gen. Jean S. Fajardo.

“The President was happy to hear that we already have a program that calls for an alternative livelihood for drug users to really help them reform and go back to their families,” the official explained.

The PNP unveiled its 4-year anti-drug campaign roadmap as it continues a nationwide all-out campaign against illegal drugs minus the daily killings that marred the ‘war on drugs’ by the former Duterte administration from 2016 to 2022.

The PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Campaign Plan 2024-2028 is a recalibrated strategy aimed at intensifying efforts to eradicate illegal drugs nationwide without repeating the deadly mistakes of the Duterte presidency which has been criticized for its so-called ‘extra-judicial killings.’

Gen. Marbil emphasized the Marcos Jr. ‘s administration’s commitment to a bloodless and human rights-based campaign in approving the strategy.

“This roadmap embodies a clear, strategic direction that aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a humane and effective approach to solving the drug problem,” the top cop said.

Gen. Marbil had said that stopping the drug chain or flow of prohibited substance inside the country, not killing suspected drug personalities, is their top strategy under the Marcos Jr. administration.

The new strategy highlights the importance of ‘this recalibrated, bloodless campaign,’ said the PNP chief.

“The mission is clear: to conduct intensified operations, ensure successful prosecution, and foster public awareness on the harmful effects of drugs in close partnership with our communities. This is not merely a policing effort but a holistic approach aimed at achieving a drug-free Philippines by 2030,” he explained.

The PNP-DEG’s comprehensive plan outlines key milestones for the next five years:

Year 2024 calls for Foundation and Early Action. Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said the recalibrated strategy begins with planning and implementation of humane and rights-based anti-drug operations, as underscored by the President during his 3rd SONA on July 22, 2024.

Year 2025 calls for Strengthening Enforcement wherein specialized law enforcement training will be rolled out, focusing on human rights and effective prosecution.

Advanced border security measures will be implemented, alongside strengthened collaboration with international anti-drug agencies, the official said.

Year 2026 calls for Expansion and Community Engagement wherein community-based anti-drug programs will be expanded, with a focus on localized campaigns in partnership with community leaders.

Year 2027 is Scaling Successful Programs and Monitoring Impact wherein programs that have shown measurable success will be expanded, especially in underserved and high-risk areas.

Public feedback will be integral in refining these initiatives.

Year 2028 will focus on the Integrated Law Enforcement System in which a unified system will be developed to streamline cooperation between national and local law enforcement agencies.

Public awareness initiatives will remain a core component, ensuring community trust and engagement too, the PNP-DEG director said.

Brig. Gen. Matta said this recalibrated campaign is designed to avoid the pitfalls of the previous deadly drug war.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon