Duterte brings back PNP to war on drugs

MANILA, Philippines (Update 1 5:11 p.m.) — President Rodrigo Duterte is bringing back the Philippine National Police to the war on drugs, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

Roque said Tuesday that the president has signed a memorandum directing the PNP and other law enforcement agencies to provide “active support” to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

He, however, clarified that PDEA is still the lead agency in the crackdown.

“If Tokhang will be implemented by the PNP, I supposed that they will have coordination with PDEA,” Roque said.

“That is the marching order of the president,” he added.

Roque said he is not sure whether there would be a resumption of Oplan Tokhang. He also stressed that PDEA should not be deprived of its right to lead the campaign.

WATCH: Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque on Duterte's memo bringing the police back to the illegal drugs war @PhilippineStar @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/2SnwtMGU8S

— Alexis B. Romero (@alexisbromero) December 5, 2017

Last October 11, Duterte has designated PDEA as the “sole agency” in charge of the war on drugs. This was after the police force drew flak over alleged police abuse in the continuing crackdown.

The president last November 21 expressed that he was bent on bringing the cops back in the campaign against drugs accused of killing thousands of mostly urban poor Filipinos.

PDEA earlier welcomed the possible return of the PNP as the lead agency in the war on drugs. It admitted to not having enough resources to fight the drug problem.