PNP: No big-time drug lords dumped in bays, ravine

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday denied that there were big-time drug lords who were thrown off bays and a cliff in the administration's anti-drugs campaign, contrary to the claim of President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Wala naman. Itong mga ganitong pahayag ng Pangulo ay pagbibigay-diin niya sa pagiging seryoso ng pinaigting na kampanya laban sa iligal na droga, particularly sa mga high-value targets," PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

"Tayo ay nagsasagawa ng ating operations with transparency at kita naman natin kung gaano naging professional ang ating mga operatiba sa pagsunod ng ating mga procedure at paggalang ng karapatang pantao," he added.

On Thursday, Duterte mentioned that some big fishes in the drug trade were already dumped in some bays and thrown into a ravine.

"Itong mga idiotong mga kolumnista, wala daw nakuha na… Hindi lang ninyo alam. Baka hindi niyo alam ilan tinapon ko diyan sa Manila Bay. Mga y*** kayo. Baka gusto ninyo pati kayo," he said.

"Bakit? Naga-announce ba kami na ‘yang drug lord si ano tinapon ko sa ano—Laguna de Bay? ‘Yung isa hinulog ko doon sa Mountain Province doon sa ravine? Do I have to advertise that? Ulol pala kayo eh," he added.

Banac said that the remarks of the President just shows his unwavering advocacy to protect the Filipino people from the drug menace.

The police spokesman also stressed that Duterte has instructed the PNP to fast-track the procurement and distribution of body cameras to ensure transparency in anti-drugs operations.

"Mayroon tayong nakaprograma na procurement ng body cameras at binigyan tayo ng taning ng Pangulo kailangan tapusin na ito by December 10 nang sa gayon ay magamit na nga ang mga body cameras na ito," Banac said.

Further, he emphasized that as the police focus on arresting high-value targets, they will also prioritize initiatives for community-based illegal drug-use prevention and rehabilitation as recommended by Vice President Leni Robredo. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News