Marcos adopts policy shift from street-level arrests, buy-busts

The Marcos administration is redirecting its anti-drug campaign to dismantle supply networks and pursue high-level drug suppliers, signaling a major shift in the country’s approach to combating illegal drugs.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced the strategic pivot on Tuesday, following a high-level meeting led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at the Palace.

President Marcos convened the meeting on Monday with the Interior chief, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Moro Virgilio Lazo, and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Marbil to outline a new approach to curb the nation’s drug trade.

The Interior Secretary said the consensus was to prioritize going after major suppliers and dismantling drug distribution channels over street-level arrests and buy-bust operations.

“For the longest time, we have been concentrating on the consumption side—arresting low-level offenders and conducting buy-bust operations,” Remulla said in a briefing.

“This time, we are going after the big guns: the major suppliers, the primary figures involved in drug importation. The message is clear—we’re focusing on the top tier of the drug trade,” he added.

While Remulla did not disclose specific targets, he confirmed that authorities have identified key figures in the drug supply chain.

Another focus of the discussion was on alleged drug activities being orchestrated from within New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

Intelligence reports suggested that high-profile detainees continue to manage drug operations from inside the facility, with communications regularly intercepted by authorities.

To address this, Remulla said the government plans to transfer about 200 high-value detainees to a newly designated maximum-security facility elsewhere in the country.

The move, intended to sever detainees’ access to outside networks, will involve enhanced technology to monitor and restrict communications with the outside world.

“We’ve tried increasing security and tightening restrictions, but the problem is systemic,” Remulla said.

“Inmates regain access to communication devices almost immediately after sweeps. Changing personnel has not resolved the issue—a new approach is required, including relocation and restricting accessibility,” he said.

Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos targets ‘big guns’ in battle vs illegal drugs—DILG.”