PNP unveils 4-yr anti-drug drive
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has unveiled a 4-year anti-drug campaign roadmap as it continues a nationwide campaign against illegal drugs sans the killings that marred the ‘war on drugs’ by the former Duterte administration.
Developed by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group headed by Brigadier Gen. Eleazar P. Matta, the new tactic is anchored on the protection of human rights through a focused drug rehabilitation program while going all-out against the drug chain, the Journal Group learned.
The PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Campaign Plan 2024-2028 is a recalibrated strategy aimed at intensifying efforts to eradicate illegal drugs nationwide.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil emphasized the Marcos Jr. ‘s administration’s commitment to a bloodless and human rights-based campaign in approving the strategy.
Gen. Marbil said that stopping the chain of prohibited substances in the country, not killing suspected drug personalities, was their top strategy under the Marcos Jr. administration.
He also emphasized the need to ensure the treatment and rehabilitation of drug users in maintaining their ‘bloodless war on drugs’ as cited by the Commander-in-Chief.
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. Matta said the recalibrated strategy begins with planning and implementation of humane and rights-based anti-drug operations.
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.
Proactive media programs will likewise heighten public awareness and support.
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 to 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.
The PNP chief has expressed his full support to the program.
On Tuesday, President Marcos ordered Gen. Marbil, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ C. Remulla Jr., his brother Justice Sec. Jesus Crispin C. Remulla and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chair, Director General Moro Virgilio M. Lazo to strengthen their collaboration to fight the illegal drug problem.
The Commander-in-Chief also stressed the need for all law enforcement agencies to respect human rights and preserve human life as they conduct a holistic approach when it comes to addressing the drug menace.
The Journal Group earlier reported that nearly P40.3 billion worth of shabu and other prohibited substances have been seized by agents of the PNP from July 1, 2022 to October 31 amid its continuing effort to stop the drug chain of prohibited substances and not resorting to killings.
Official PNP records showed that during the period, a total of P40,227,910,263.67 worth of illegal drugs were seized by the police nationwide compared to the P8.440,519,745.60 confiscated by the police from July 1, 2016 to October 31, 2018.
The banned drugs were seized as a result of 112,766 anti-narcotics operations which netted 140,843 drug personalities who were all charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
