Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up the monitoring of operational gains in the campaign against illegal drugs down to the station level to contain any attempt of syndicates to employ new strategies that include shifting to new targets.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that drug syndicates are feeling the pressure amid intensified coordination among law enforcement agencies, which includes intelligence-sharing and interoperability. He highlighted the success of the government's anti-illegal drug campaign, which has resulted in the seizure of over PHP122 billion worth of narcotics in the past four years.
In a recent operation in Tawi-Tawi, personnel from the Philippine Navy collaborated with the PNP, leading to the death of a drug dealer and the confiscation of over PHP1.8 million worth of illegal drugs. The local syndicate in Tawi-Tawi was reportedly targeting local fisherfolk, recruiting them as 'clients.'
Nartatez emphasized the importance of continuing strategic measures to prevent drug syndicates from establishing and sustaining operations across the country. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to enhance the government's campaign against illegal drugs while protecting vulnerable communities from syndicate recruitment and exploitation.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the lead agency in anti-illegal drug operations, reported that in addition to the large volume of illegal drugs confiscated, more than 206,000 individuals involved in illegal drug activities have been arrested, including thousands identified as high-value targets.
Nartatez noted that effective monitoring of police operations is crucial for chiefs of police at municipal and city levels to proactively engage in the illegal drugs campaign. The Enhanced Managing Police Operations concept has been instrumental in achieving significant gains in anti-crime efforts. Additionally, community-level campaigns are being bolstered by strategic measures from other units and agencies, particularly in countering drug smuggling through the country's entry points and smuggling routes.
