PNP welcomes public support for war on drugs, dedicates credit to fallen cops

The Philippine National Police on Thursday welcomed the "88 percent" people's support for the war on illegal drugs, saying that the PNP dedicates the credit to members who were killed during anti-drug operations.

Spokesperson Chief Superintendent Dionardo  Carlos also said that the PNP considers the people's support—as shown in latest Pulse Asia survey—as a magnanimous recognition of the efforts and sacrifices of the police in keeping communities safe from drugs.

“We are grateful for this recognition of the efforts of the PNP in the anti-drug campaign, particularly during the 15-month period when we launched Oplan Tokhang and Project: Double Barrel,” he said in a press statement.

A Pulse Asia survey conducted September 24 to 30 showed 88 percent of Filipinos support the war on drugs while only two percent oppose the campaign. Nine percent said they may or may not support it.

"We dedicate this recognition in memory of the police officers who offered the supreme sacrifice in the war on drugs," he added.

PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa earlier said that 85 police and soldiers have been killed during anti-illegal drug operations since July last year.

Also, the PNP assured the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice of the availability of police witnesses and evidence in court proceedings.

This is to ensure successful prosecution of cases filed against some 109,000 drug offenders arrested during over 71,000 separate police anti-drug operations.

“Court duty is paramount among all other police duties except combat or tactical engagement,” Carlos said.

He further said that it is the responsibility of police cases officers and witnesses to attend court duty when summoned by judicial authorities.

In a memorandum dated October 10, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to be the sole agency in the national anti-drug campaign.

The PNP, on the other hand, shall provide PDEA with police visibility as deterrent to drug activities; and drug-related intelligence and information, as well as all records of pending anti-drug cases filed in court for proper monitoring and endorsement. —LBG, GMA News