The Philippine National Police (PNP) is preparing to launch a revised anti-drug campaign with a focus on human rights under the Marcos administration.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil announced that the Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign Roadmap 2024-2028 is in its final stages of development. This strategic plan aims to enhance anti-drug operations while prioritizing human rights compliance.
Marbil noted that the roadmap incorporates lessons from previous efforts and recognizes the sacrifices of thousands of police officers involved in anti-drug enforcement. The PNP Drug Enforcement Group, the police force’s primary anti-narcotics unit, is responsible for crafting the plan.
“This roadmap is a testament to our dedication to protecting lives and upholding human dignity. It honors the heroism of our police force and aims to foster a safer, drug-free Philippines,” Marbil stated.
He previously reported that 1,286 police officers were impacted by former president Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, which faced criticism for alleged extrajudicial killings and human rights violations. Among them, 312 officers lost their lives, 974 were injured, and others faced legal or administrative consequences, resulting in convictions or dismissals.
Marbil emphasized that the new roadmap aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for a humane and community-centered anti-drug campaign.
“This roadmap embodies a clear, strategic direction that aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a humane and effective approach to solving the drug problem,” he said.
The campaign, Marbil added, will prioritize enforcement, prevention, and collaboration with various stakeholders to shield Filipinos from illegal drugs.
“We will end the scourge of illegal drugs through a united, compassionate and rights-based approach,” Marbil said.
In a related development, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) clarified that it does not reward personnel for killing drug suspects.
During the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum, PDEA spokesman Laurefel Gabales explained that the agency’s reward system, Operation Private Eye, is intended for confidential informants. Gabales highlighted that representatives from the academe, religious groups, and business organizations assess and determine suitable recipients of cash rewards.
“They are the ones who will assess if the reward is suitable to those that are caught,” Gabales stated.
