PNP chief: Recalibrated anti-drug ops target sources, not people

MANILA: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Sunday said the police force is now implementing a recalibrated approach in its fight against illegal drugs that prioritizes targeting the sources and supply chains rather than focusing on street-level pushers and users. He said this approach is designed to be more effective and less violent, as it puts premium on human rights while addressing the drug problem at its very core. Marbil characterized the drug problem as complex issue. 'Our previous strategies concentrated too much on cutting off the heads, but we need to target the body- the entire supply chain and the sources driving the drug trade,' he said in a statement. The recalibrated strategy will involve intensified intelligence operations and stronger community engagement to identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks, he noted. 'We are now focusing on high-value drug personalities and the movements of illegal drugs across the country. These are the real targets-t hose who orchestrate the trade and profit from it, not the street-level pushers and users, who are often victims of circumstance,' Marbil explained. The PNP chief underscored the importance of minimizing bloodshed as he pointed out that 'with this approach, we are not only saving lives but also working toward a better future for our nation. We are committed to addressing the drug issue with compassion, strategy, and adherence to the rule of law.' Marbil stated that this recalibrated strategy is a crucial step toward achieving the objective of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a safer and more secure Philippines. Meanwhile, police seized illegal drugs with an estimated street value of PHP1.7 million and arrested two suspects in a sting operation in the province of Negros Occidental. In a separate statement, PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said "Ray-an", 39, and "Madam", 54, yielded 255 grams of suspected shabu when arrested around 2:30 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Singcang-Airp ort, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. The suspects were placed under police custody pending the filing of complaints against them for violation of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, while the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the Negros Occidental Provincial Forensic Unit for documentation and proper disposition. Source: Philippines News Agency