PNP vows intensified crackdown vs illegal drugs, cybercrimes

MANILA, Philippines — The public should expect an intensified crackdown from the Philippine National Police against illegal drugs and cybercrimes this year as PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has set his sights on addressing these two concerns of law enforcement.

On the war on drugs, Acorda vowed to sustain efforts, particularly on drug-affected barangays.

“We will sustain our anti-illegal drugs (campaign), wherein we will be focusing on drug clearing and personalities (involved),” Acorda said in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas yesterday.

In its latest report, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said 7,543 barangays in the country are affected by illegal drugs.

Acorda said he is discussing with the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission and other concerned government agencies on coming up with a study on the state of barangay drug affectation in the country.

“We will come up with a list of affected barangays, including the personalities involved,” he added, referring to high-value suspects in the illegal drug trade.

The PNP chief stressed that a holistic approach is needed to address the drug problem and that law enforcement and operations should be supported by reform, awareness and education programs.

He reminded police officers that aggressive operations must be in accordance with the law, which means that lawmen should observe rules and regulations.

Acorda has also expressed alarm over what he said is a drastic increase in cybercrimes.

It is for this reason that Acorda had ordered a training of police officers down to the station level on how to investigate cybercrimes.

The PNP currently has the Anti-Cybercrime Group that has units in police regional offices.

Having anti-cybercrime units in all territorial police units means more investigators to address cybercrimes.

“If we can capacitate our police stations, meaning each of them has personnel capable of handling such cases, the better,” Acorda said. — Daphne Galvez