Duterte orders gov’t agencies to take ‘active role’ in war against drugs

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered all government agencies to take an “active role” in the war against drugs, his centerpiece program that has reaped criticism over supposed human rights abuses in the course of the campaign.

Issued by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on November 12, Memorandum Circular 53 provides that all government offices, agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations and state universities and colleges must “immediately mobilize their assets and take an active role in the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, in accordance with their respective mandates.”

“[I]t is the policy of the State to pursue an effective campaign against trafficking and use of dangerous drugs through an integrated system of planning, implementation and enforcement of anti-illegal drug abuse policies, programs, and projects,” the circular read.

“[T]he drug problem continues to degrade the moral fiber of society, undermining the rule of law and has evolved as a national security problem,” it added.

Medialdea said he issued the circular with the authority of the President.

The circular cited laws and previous issuances of the President in relation to curbing the drug menace, including Executive Order 66 which institutionalized the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS).

The PADS “outlines the balanced efforts of the government to strengthen its campaign against prohibited drugs and their precursors, and contribute to international efforts to counter the worldwide illegal drug problem,” according to the EO signed by Duterte on October 29.

Duterte designated the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) as the lead agency in the implementation of the PADS.

The EO said government agencies, including state-run corporations, colleges and universities, are directed to formulate and submit to the DDB their respective implementing and operational plans in connection with PADS within 60 days from the effectivity of the EO.

All government entities and local government units have also been directed to implement a drug-free workplace program and authorized drug testing among officials and personnel.

Duterte vowed in his third State of the Nation Address on July 23 that the anti-narcotics drive will be as "relentless and chilling" as the day it began in July 2016.

Government data showed that 4,948 suspects died in anti-drug operations from July 1, 2016 to September 2018.  — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News