Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed its openness to a Senate proposal aimed at restructuring the country's government anti-illegal drug units. This development comes as legislative discussions focus on reorganizing key entities such as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. conveyed the police force's readiness to support and provide insights into enhancing the anti-illegal drugs campaign. Nartatez emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach in addressing the drug problem and highlighted the significance of the PNP's collaboration with PDEA and other agencies in narcotics operations.

The proposal, filed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III under Senate Bill No. 190, suggests creating a supervisory body under the Office of the President to oversee agencies implementing Republic Act No. 9165, known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The bill also proposes that PDEA absorb the DDB's policy-making and strategy functions to streamline inter-agency coordination without diminishing PDEA's enforcement capabilities.

Gen. Nartatez affirmed the PNP's preparedness to assume greater responsibility in anti-drug operations if the proposal is enacted, provided there is full government support. He assured lawmakers and the public of the PNP's unwavering commitment to combating illegal drugs while adhering to the rule of law.