Incoming AFP chief proposes presidential task force vs. illegal drugs

The incoming chief of the Philippine military is pushing for a presidential task force to address the country's illegal drugs problem. 

At a chance interview, Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya told reporters: "Magbi-base ako dun sa guidance ni President-elect [Rodrigo Duterte], to actively support the PNP in their anti-drugs campaign at yung sa Abu Sayyaf." 

Visaya said he has already proposed to form a presidential task force to take part in the operations in the anti-drug campaign.

The team will be composed of soldiers, policemen, and members from other government agencies such as the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

"May proposals ako kay Mayor sa operations ng anti-drugs na it would be better if there will be a presidential task force," Visaya said.

"Pagplanuhan muna namin kung ano yan ... nasa planning stage pa lang kami," he added.

Earlier, Duterte said he will tap both the police and military to execute his promise to suppress crime and drug-related activities in three to six months time upon assuming the presidency.

He has offered a P3-million reward for the capture of high profile drug lords, and a bounty on the arrest of their men.

Meanwhile, Chief Supt. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the incoming chief of the National Police, also noted that the rewards are "additional motivation" for law enforcement officers.

In an earlier interview, Dela Rosa vowed to remove from their ranks the PNP personnel involved in illegal drugs.

Abu Sayyaf

Meanwhile in the case of terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, Visaya said he will assess whether more troops are needed to contain the attacks.

He is also eyeing a "realignment" of forces and military equipment.

"Sa Abu Sayyaf naman, there will be realignment of forces, particularly yung sa mga military equiment namin," Visaya said. — Jessica Bartolome/RSJ, GMA News