PRO-7: Budget query will not affect anti-drug campaign
A handful of students stay undeterred by the downpour in Cebu City yesterday as they protest government's action on controversial issues, including the ongoing war against illegal drugs. Aldo Nelbert Banaynal
CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO) -7 assured that it will continue the anti-narcotics operations in the region despite Senate questioning the P20-billion increase in the proposed budget of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for 2018.
“PRO-7 will continue its operation on Oplan Double Barrel as mandated,” reads the text message sent to The FREEMAN by Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino, PRO-7 director.
Espino added that PRO-7 is unfazed by the news and will go steadfast with its campaign against illegal-drugs.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto earlier questioned the PNP’s proposed budget which showed an increase of about P20 billion from P111.8 billion this year to P131.5 billion for 2018, P900 million of which is allocated for Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded, the PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs.
In a press statement posted last Sunday, Recto said that there should be a clear explanation on the implementation of the program.
Recto also previously emphasized that Senate and the House of Representatives should oversee if the budget will indeed help curb crime occurrences nationwide, following the killing of 17-year old Kian Lloyd delos Santos, whose death at the hands of police was caught on camera. Police who shot delos Santos alleged that the teenager was a drug courier.
Based on records, PRO-7 conducted a total of 5,303 operations under Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded from July 1, 2016 to January 30, 2017 and March 1 to June 27, 2017.
At least 9,177 drug personalities were arrested while 183 died during police operations which also yielded a total of 34,734.33 grams of shabu worth P409,865,094. Police visited 997,620 houses and 108,621 persons surrendered under Oplan Tokhang.
For his part, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Senior Superintendent Joel Doria said that a budget cut may pose challenges for them.
“Of course, kasi kailangan natin ng operational funds para diyan, so malaking tulong din yan,” Doria said.
However, he stressed that it will not hold back anti-narcotics operations in the city.
“When it comes to the budget, definitely makaka-apekto yan, but it will not hinder us from doing our jobs, so we will still conduct intensified anti-illegal drugs operations. Tuloy pa rin,” Doria said. (FREEMAN)
- Latest
