177 police officers have been charged with drug-related offenses in Metro Manila, following an intensified campaign against illegal drugs focused on law enforcement.
In a video message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said the charged police officers were involved in offenses such as planting evidence, illegal arrests, and excessive violence.
“Despite this, we are aware that our officials can sometimes be swayed, and of course, we cannot allow that. That’s why 177 police officers have been charged with drug-related offenses,” according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
President Marcos also revealed that the government has successfully incarcerated over 121,582 individuals involved in drug-related cases since the start of his term in 2022.
“We are now pursuing 151,818 court cases by the DOJ from 2022 to 2023, with 121,582 already detained, focusing on violators in the drug trade,” President Marcos added.
The President highlighted that these figures represent not just positive numbers but genuine improvements in the ongoing battle against illegal drugs.
Anti-drug campaign shows significant progress at the grassroots level—Pres. Marcos
President Marcos Jr. previously highlighted the government’s success in its fight against illegal drugs at the grassroots level.
This comes after a report from the Philippine National Police (PNP) indicated the seizure of approximately Php 10.4 billion worth of narcotics in 2023.
The PNP also reported that more than twenty-seven thousand (27,968) barangays were declared drug-free, which means that these barangays no longer have the presence of dangerous narcotics as well as drug personalities.
President Marcos Jr. described the anti-illegal drugs campaign’s significant progress at the grassroots level.
“This is good progress at the grassroots level because, as we say, when a barangay is declared cleared, monitoring and governance become easier there,” he stated.
The Chief Executive added that the government continually focuses on rehabilitation and prevention in this matter.
“Of course, we always look at rehabilitation—prevention so that our fellow countrymen won’t fall into bad habits regarding drugs. Those who have fallen victim, we will provide assistance through rehabilitation centers,” he added.
The President emphasized that the national government has taken steps to address illegal drugs at the local level. Additionally, it has collaborated with 50 provinces, 1,160 municipalities, and 30 cities in implementing Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs).
He also mentioned that the government has established 74 inpatient treatment and rehabilitation facilities to facilitate recovery for those seeking to overcome addiction.
Meanwhile, the PNP reported the arrest of more than fifty-six thousand suspects (56,495) after conducting over 44,000 anti-illegal drug operations.
The current administration implements a new strategy in responding to illegal drugs by focusing on rehabilitation, reintegration, and preventive education programs, especially for the youth.
Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa acknowledged the government’s accomplishment in the anti-illegal drugs campaign. However, he insisted that, based on public comments, the actions of the previous administration had more emphasis or intensity in this campaign.
“That’s a good accomplishment, a good accomplishment,” Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa said.
