President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spoke to the press about his campaign pledge to tackle the country’s drug problem in a different way and to cleanse the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The President explained that the PNP is currently in the initial phase of organizing a commission to review the backgrounds of police officials and investigate the records of all officers.
“We approach it in an entirely differently way. Alam naman natin na ‘yung problema sa drugs hindi mangyayari ‘yan kung hindi kasabwat ‘yung mga iba diyan sa police,” said Marcos.
Those who are cleared of any drug links will be reinstated, while cases will be built against those found to be involved in the drug trade. The President emphasized that any cases against PNP officials connected to the drug trade will be vigorously pursued, with the goal of ensuring that these officials are convicted and imprisoned.
“Kailangan natin tingnan nang mabuti sino ba talaga ang kasabwat diyan, sino ba talaga ang involved, at sino’ng hindi na talaga pwedeng mag-serbisyo dahil associated na sila sa mga drug lord,” added the Philippine President.
This approach comes in response to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.’s request for the courtesy resignation of senior PNP officials as part of the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. The courtesy resignation of these officials is also seen as a way to regain the trust and confidence of the public in the PNP and the fight against illegal drugs.
The President acknowledged that the problem of drugs in the country cannot be solved without the involvement of some members of the police. He emphasized the need to carefully examine who is really involved and who can no longer serve due to their association with drug lords.
“So tiyakin natin kung magkakaso tayo ipapanalo talaga natin at makukulong talaga kung sino man ang mga napatunayan na kasabwat dito sa drug trade,” the President said.
Responding to criticism of the administration’s approach, the President pointed out that the PNP has not yet reached the stage of filing cases and is still in the process of organizing the commission to review the backgrounds of all police officials.
