In October, President Rodrigo Duterte said he was transferring the control of the government’s war against illegal drugs to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Beginning his term and up until then, it was the Philippine National Police that had been in charge of the campaign.
But the public outrage became too great, especially after the killing of teenagers perceived to be mere victims of the PNP’s excessive force. It appeared cops were overly zealous in carrying out its orders from the President, or deliver results.
Those results are missing these days, such that the President is now mulling handing back the PNP the reins of the anti-drug war.
“Whether I like it or not, I have to return that power to the police because surely it will increase the [drug] activity,” Mr. Duterte said.
“He wants more,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.
While a formal return has yet to be made, the PNP deputy spokesman has already expressed readiness to take on the job again.
Meanwhile, the PDEA spokesman said it has been their desire that the PNP would return in the fight against illegal drugs.
With this demand for “more,” the people brace themselves for a return to the previous scenario where poor neighborhoods are raided and drug suspects are hauled off and punished for resisting arrest or putting up a fight. Such a process has earned criticism here and abroad.
The PNP says it already has plans for some changes in its methods but would not disclose them until there has been a formal transfer. The recommendations, they say, are awaiting the approval of the PNP chief, Director-General Ronald dela Rosa.
This is the same Dela Rosa who exacted accountability from erring policemen by making them do push-ups and berating them in public.
We want—no, we demand—that the return of the drug campaign to the police be accompanied by greater circumspection and responsibility. Nobody disputes the need to crack down on the illegal drug trade; it is the means through which this aim is achieved that raises questions and invites opposition. It is the manner by which the campaign is carried out that will determine its credibility and acceptability.
Of these, we, too, do want more.
