DILG creates 'Task Force Digong' to fight illegal drug trade

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has created an inter-agency task force to assist in the investigation of government officials linked to the illegal drug trade.

Task Force DILG Inter-Government Operations Network Group or TF DIGONG, headed by DILG Secretary and concurrent National Police Commission (Napolcom) chairperson Ismael Sueno, will conduct its own preliminary investigations on involved government officials.

"With so many top government officials being linked to illegal drugs, Task Force Digong will seek to find the truth so that those who are guilty will face the full force of the law, while those who are innocent will be cleared," Sueno said in a press release on Wednesday.

DILG formed the task force following President Rodrigo Duterte's recent pronouncement naming high ranking government officials as alleged protectors of drug syndicates.  

The task force will also assist in processing the surrender of drug lords, users, and pushers, and help refer them to rehabilitation centers, he added.

According to data from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), 18,749 drug suspects surrendered to authorities in the first two weeks of July.  

Sueno added that the initiative to aims to help achieve Duterte's goal of ridding the country of drugs within three to six months upon assuming office.

"The President has imposed a three to six month deadline against illegal drugs. TF Digong will help make this happen through better cooperation among agencies and faster, immediate action," he said.

Members of Task Force Digong include representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC), Local Government Academy (LGA), and local government officials.

DILG Undersecretary for Operations, Atty. John Castriciones will act as Deputy Chairperson of the group. — VVP, GMA News