SUCs, GOCCs included in campaign vs illegal drugs

MANILA, Philippines — The Duterte administration has mobilized the entire government to support its controversial war against illegal drugs. 

Saying the problem has become a national security concern, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued a memorandum circular directing all agencies – including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) – to take an active role in supporting the drug war. 

“The drug problem continues to degrade the moral fiber of society, undermining the rule of law and has evolved as a national security problem,” read the circular dated Nov. 12 and released yesterday. 

“It is hereby directed that all government offices, agencies and instrumentalities, including GOCCs and SUCs, to immediately mobilize their assets and take an active role in the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, in accordance with their respective mandates,” it added. 

The circular was released to the public days after President Duterte vowed anew to end the problem of illegal drugs. 

In a speech before members of the Filipino community in Papua New Guinea on Friday, the President reiterated his promise to “finish” illegal drugs in the country, blasting human rights advocates who criticized the brutal drug war that has already claimed thousands of lives. 

In the circular, Medialdea noted a previous executive order that directed all government agencies to implement the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy. 

Medialdea also noted another executive order that created the inter-agency committee on anti-illegal drugs and the national anti-illegal drug task force to suppress the drug problem in the country. 

“It is the policy of the state to pursue an effective campaign against trafficking and use of dangerous drugs through an integrated system of planning, implementation and enforcement of anti-illegal drug abuse policies, programs and projects,” Medialdea added. 

Solving the drug problem was centerpiece of the campaign of Duterte, who initially promised to end it within three to six months after assuming the presidency. 

The President however underscored the supposed gravity of the problem, saying it might be impossible to fully eradicate illegal drugs within his term. 

Various government agencies outside of law enforcement have already made efforts to contribute to the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign. 

The Commission on Higher Education last month directed all higher education institutions to conduct random drug testing on college students starting next school year. 

The Department of Education has also implemented a random drug testing on public high school students this year.  – With Edith Regalado