No letup in drug war, PNP vows

MANILA, Philippines — There will be no letup in the government’s war on drugs in the final year of President Duterte’s term, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar vowed yesterday.

“We will not stop the campaign against illegal drugs, with the remaining one year of this administration,” Eleazar told reporters.

He said the anti-drug campaign, which has killed at least 6,117 suspects in alleged shootouts with police in the last five years, should continue, adding it has resulted in safer streets for the public.

“You cannot deny na naging mas ligtas tayo sa labas ng bahay. Salamat sa ating campaign against drugs,” Eleazar said.

The PNP said index crimes went down by at least 60 percent in the past five years.

Eleazar attributed the drug war’s success to President Duterte’s firm resolve in eradicating drugs.

“Iba kapag Presidente ang nanguna diyan. It’s not a perfect campaign, but along the way we have learned a lot,” Eleazar said.

On allegations of human rights abuses being committed by law enforcers in the implementation of the drug war, Eleazar said they would not hesitate to sanction police officers who committed wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, Eleazar said preparations are underway to ensure that Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address on July 30 will be orderly.