The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the government’s intensified efforts against illegal drugs have led to the seizure of almost P32 billion worth of illicit narcotics from July 1, 2022, to April 21, 2024.
PNP Spokesperson P/Col. Jean Fajardo reported the development during a news forum in Quezon City, emphasizing the significant impact of the ongoing efforts.
Fajardo highlighted key seizures such as the nearly 990 kilos of drugs in October 2022 and over 500 kilos of shabu in March 2023, resulting in arrests including that of a Chinese national and, most recently, on April 15 in Alitagtag, Batangas, where P1.4 billion worth of illegal drugs were intercepted.
Fajardo attributed the success of the anti-drug campaign to a holistic approach led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos.
The PNP also said it has intensified its demand reduction efforts through the BIDA program, focusing on constructing more rehabilitation centers and integrating individuals involved in drug use into reformation and wellness programs to deter relapse into illicit activities.
Abalos highlighted the community-based initiatives undertaken by the DILG, citing the establishment of community-based drug rehabilitation programs in 1,534 local government units (LGUs), with over 182,000 graduates successfully reintegrated into their communities.
Furthermore, Abalos emphasized the importance of incentivizing communities in the fight against drug abuse, with 14 LGUs receiving special awards for their outstanding contributions to community-based rehabilitation efforts.
Moreover, the PNP also noted the improvement in crime rating in the country, citing the significant decrease in the country’s crime index.
According to Fajardo, the country’s crime index has recorded a decrease of 63.59% in terms of the Philippines’ peace and order indicator.
“You would see that there is a 63.59% decrease in terms of our peace and order indicator. And when we speak of peace and order indicator, this includes the index crime where the eight focus crimes are also included,” Fajardo stated.
“When we speak of eight focus crimes, it includes those crimes against persons like murder, homicide and physical injury and rape; and crimes against property which includes robbery, theft, carnapping of motor vehicles and motorcycle, “ she added.
Abalos, on the other hand, said the peace and order situation in the country has significantly improved, with a notable decrease in the index crime volume. The index crime volume dropped from 196,519 during the pre-pandemic period spanning July 1, 2016, to April 21, 2018, to 71,544 from July 1, 2022, to April 21, 2024.
Furthermore, the average monthly crime rate also experienced a decline during the same timeframe, decreasing from 21.92 to 15.04%.