President Marcos warned erring and corrupt cops will be punished as he upheld the Philippine National Police’s bloodless campaign against illegal drugs.
“The police need to be disciplined, transparent and fair. Erring and corrupt police will face the appropriate sanctions. Remember your mandate — safety and service are the core of your duty,” the President said during the 123rd anniversary of the PNP in Camp Crame yesterday.
Commending the leadership of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, Mr. Marcos said “noteworthy reforms and achievements” were achieved in recent months.
“Our crackdown on illegal drugs, smuggling, illegal gambling, private armed groups, human trafficking, and criminality has also strengthened significantly in ways that are not only effective but legal and lawful,” Mr. Marcos said.
“Indeed, police operations are now conducted as humane, as truthful, and as bloodless as possible,” he added.
The President said the PNP’s partnership with the military has led to the neutralization of some 1,951 members of local and communist terrorist groups.
He also cited the police force’s intensified patrol operations and increased deployment that contributed to lower crime rate, as well as the improved cybersecurity capability of the PNP.
“These achievements were made possible because [of] the PNP’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and the unparalleled dedication and service of our police officers,” he said.
“I trust that you will sustain your current initiatives and take care of the people’s increasing confidence in the PNP’s abilities,” Mr. Marcos added.
Government records show that some 6,200 drug suspects were killed during the Duterte administration but human rights organizations say that the actual number is closer to 30,000.
This prompted the International Criminal Court to investigate former President Rodrigo Duterte and others involved in the bloody war against drugs during the past administration.
For his part, Marbil said the PNP remains dedicated to preserving human life while pursuing the fight against illegal drugs.
“Our battle against drugs abuse transcends mere law enforcement. It fundamentally aims to uphold the very fabric of our society as we pursue our anti-illegal drug campaign targeting high-value targets and identifying drug sources,” Marbil said in his speech.
“Our efforts ensure the well-being and dignity of every member of the community,” he added.
Marbil said around P36.5 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized since President Marcos assumed the presidency in July 2022.
“Our anti-illegal drugs campaign has made remarkable strides with the value of drugs seized increasing to approximately P36.5 billion between July 1, 2022 and July 31, 2024 to include the P9.68 billion in Alitagtag, Batangas, the largest haul in history and the highest recorded seized,” Marbil said.
Marbil said the new approach to combat illegal drugs has been effective in earning the trust and confidence of the people.
