Palace says drug war ‘remains with PDEA’ for now

The government’s war on drugs remains with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) until President Rodrigo Duterte signs the document stating otherwise, Malacañang clarified Monday.

“It is safe to reveal that the President, while inclined to return it to the PNP, has not made up completely his mind,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said at a press briefing held in Davao City.

“I guess, until the document is signed by him, it remains with PDEA…I will actually seek a clarification from the President but let’s not pressure him either way,” Roque said.

The Palace spokesperson said it is Duterte’s prerogative as to which government agency will take the lead role in the drug war.

In two separate speeches last week, Duterte said he is inclined to return the control of the war on drugs to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Duterte’s pronouncements came just more than a month after he signed a memorandum tasking the PDEA as the sole agency that will conduct anti-drug operations.

“I have not yet signed the executive order. But I am inclined to call back the police and join again in the drug war,” Duterte said Friday.

Both the PNP and PDEA earlier said they welcome Duterte’s pronouncements of  eventually returning the drug war to the police.

The 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.”

PNP deputy spokesperson Superintendent Vimelee Madrid meanwhile said that “the PNP is always ready to embrace any task to be given by our chief executive.” — RSJ, GMA News