PNP, PDEA welcome Duterte plan to bring back police to war on drugs

The Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency welcomed Thursday the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte on the eventual return to the war on drugs of the police organization.

“The PNP is always ready to embrace any task to be given by our chief executive,” PNP deputy spokesperson Superintendent Vimelee Madrid said at a press briefing.

Madrid said they already have plans but refused to divulge it until the formal return of the campaign to them.

“Meron nang plans for revisions (pero) hindi na muna sasabihin since hindi pa naman talaga  legally na naibabalik sa atin yung war against drugs,” she said.

But she assured the public that they are readying themselves for any eventuality.

“Yes, naghahanda naman ang PNP any time. Meron na tayong ginagawa, marami nang mga recommendations for the approval of the PNP chief (Director General Ronald dela Rosa),” she said.

Madrid said the police organization is doing its best to cleanse its ranks.

“So iiwasan na talaga natin kung meron pang mangyayaring hindi kaaya-aya. Iniingatan na natin lalo na ‘yung sinasabi nating nai-involve na police personnel (sa illegal activities),” he said. 

Asked if the campaign would be less bloody with their possible return, she said they are trying their best to do it.

“Talaga namang iniiwasan natin ‘yun kaya lang sa simula nga sinasabi nga ni chief PNP, kung magiging at risk ang buhay ng isang police officer, talagang we are to defend also ourselves,” she said.

For his part, PDEA spokesperson Derrick Carreon said they have been looking forward to the return of the PNP to the campaign against illegal drugs.

“PDEA welcomes the decision of the President. It has been the desire of PDEA that [the] PNP will return in the fight against illegal drugs,” he said.

He added that PDEA has repeatedly admitted that it is undermanned, with less budget, and under-equipped, “hence, the need for other law enforcement agencies particularly the PNP.”

On Wednesday, Duterte said that he would bring back PNP to the campaign.

“As of now, just to parry, nilagay ko muna sa PDEA. Whether I like it or not, I have to return that power to the police because surely it will increase the [drug] activity,” said.

In a memorandum signed October 10, Duterte told law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police as well as all ad hoc task forces, to let PDEA “as sole agency” to conduct anti-illegal drugs campaign and operations.

“The PNP shall, at all times, maintain police visibility, as a deterrent to illegal drug activities leaving to the PDEA, however, the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations as aforestated,” the memorandum read.

The President cited Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 where it said that PDEA should be the lead agency when investigations of the National Bureau of Investigation, PNP, and others found to be in violation of the said act. — RSJ, GMA News