SOME P904.85 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in operations conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the first month of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
From July 1 to 31, the PNP Directorate for Operations said 5,591 drug suspects were arrested, 16 were killed, and 188 surrendered during the implementation of “Oplan Tokhang.”
The biggest seizure so far was the confiscation of around 60 kilograms of shabu worth P408 million during a buy-bust operation at the Mega Station along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Barangay San Felipe, City of San Fernando, Pampanga on July 28.
Earlier, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who oversees the PNP, said the crackdown on illegal drugs under the administration of Marcos will continue to be relentless with focus on demand reduction with a good balance on law enforcement, apprehension, and filing of cases based on the rule of law.
Abalos noted that the operation will dispel criticisms that the government’s war against illegal drugs, which was initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte, only targets small-time drug dealers.
On Monday, August 8, Marcos reminded cops that the use of force during operations must always be reasonable, justifiable and only undertaken when necessary.
PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said under his helm, the PNP will coordinate more with the communities and other law enforcement agencies amid the continuous campaign against illegal drugs. (SunStar Philippines)