NEWLY installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said he looks forward to a totally drug-free Filipino society, and that waging a drug war is unnecessary.
According to him, there is no anti-drug war in the country and that he would rather go on an aggressive campaign against criminality.
“Wala po kaming giyera dito e… It’s more of talaga kung paano natin ibaba yung crimes natin based doon sa mga parameters natin (We don’t have a war here. It’s really more about how we can lower our crimes based on our parameters), Marbil told reporters during a press briefing.
“I don’t want to say that there is a drug war. It connotes that we are at war again. This is really the only requirement. This is what you should be able to solve. We go for a 100% drug-less community,” he emphasized.
“I am not the only PNP chief to say this. That is the task for all of us. There is no need for us to declare a drug war,” he added.
Asked about Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s declaration of a war against illegal drugs in his area just last week, Marbil said he would demand accountability and transparency in all police operations.
“Again, during my speech, I need accountability and transparency on the part of the policemen. Accountability and transparency in every police operation,” Marbil said.
He pointed out that policemen do not have to compete with one another for the highest number of drug suspects arrested.
He explained that areas most affected with drugs problem should yield the most arrest, and competition is out of the question.