Leni to lawmen: Use legal means vs drugs, crime

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Leni Robredo yesterday reminded law enforcers to always use legitimate means in their efforts to end the illegal drug trade and criminality in the country.

“All Filipinos dream of a drug-and crime-free society. But the manner in which we achieve our goal is as important as succeeding in such endeavor,” the Vice President said.

Robredo was guest of honor at the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame yesterday for the fourth anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s Center for Police Strategy Management.

The Vice President issued the statement as the Senate opened yesterday its investigation into the rising tally of drug suspects killed in police operations and vigilante attacks.

In her speech, Robredo cited the accomplishments of her late husband, former interior secretary Jesse Robredo, including the PNP Integrated Transformation Program-Performance Governance System, which is now called the PNP Patrol Plan 2030.

She said her husband introduced the P10,000 annual Christmas bonus for policemen and the salary increase for cops in 2011. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Evelyn Macairan