PNP chief seeks a more humane, effective anti-drug campaign

National

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil announced that the PNP is recalibrating its anti-drug strategy to ensure a more humane and rights-based approach.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, November 20, Marbil emphasized that the revised approach aims not only to strengthen law enforcement but also to raise public awareness about the dangers of drugs in collaboration with local communities.

He noted that the mission is clear: to conduct targeted operations, ensure successful prosecutions, and work toward a drug-free Philippines by 2030.

The new plan, which the PNP Drug Enforcement Group is responsible for, highlights specialized training, international cooperation, and community engagement.

It also aims to streamline efforts between national and local governments to maintain public trust in the police.

Marbil stressed that the new approach is informed by lessons learned from the past, acknowledging the sacrifices made by many police officers involved in the previous anti-drug campaigns.

The PNP’s revised strategy aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s commitment to a more humane and effective solution to the drug problem.

In his third State of the Nation Address, Marcos described his administration's approach as "bloodless."

However, this claim has been challenged by researchers at the University of the Philippines Third World Studies Center, who reported nearly 700 drug-related deaths since Marcos took office in 2022.

This shift in strategy comes after explosive allegations from former police officers regarding the previous administration’s methods.

Retired Colonel Royina Garma testified in October that President Rodrigo Duterte had implemented a reward system for officers who killed drug suspects.

Despite this, Marbil highlighted that there were also police officers themselves affected in the line of duty with 312 deaths and 974 injuries.

An estimate from the international non-government organization Human Rights Watch revealed that over 12,000 Filipinos were killed during Duterte's anti-drug campaign, with thousands more injured.(CMM)