54 drug suspects killed in 48 hours

MANILA, Philippines - At least 54 more drug personalities were killed in the last 48 hours, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

The PNP Public Information Office said there were 293 drug personalities killed from July 1 to 24, or 54 more than the 239 fatalities reported on July 22.

PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said the campaign against illegal drugs and corruption would further intensify to meet the directive of President Duterte to address problems on illegal activities.

“Generally, so far so good (on the campaign against illegal drugs). But we have some units that we observed to be behind in their performance in our campaign against illegal drugs and criminality,” said Dela Rosa.

The PNP chief said the main factor why some police units failed to meet the target accomplishment is that the local government unit or local executives are not supportive.

“Yung local chief executives (mayors, governors) na ito ay pabaya (are negligent), or lukewarm or ayaw tulungan ang ating kapulisan sa ating kampanya (or refuse to help the police in the drive) against illegal drugs,” he pointed out.

He said that after evaluation within two to three months, police commanders including regional directors and police station chiefs that are lagging behind would be replaced.

The PNP PIO said a total of 3,749 suspects were also arrested nationwide during the first 24 days of the Duterte administration, while 129,753 drug suspects have surrendered.

The PNP also intensified Oplan Tokhang wherein policemen visit and advise suspected drug pushers to stop their illegal activities.

Meanwhile, Supt. Romeo Galgo, spokesman for Police Regional Office 12 (Central Mindanao), said there were 36 drug personalities killed and 317 others arrested in the region.