Intensify drug war, PDEA urges Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director general Wilkins Villanueva is urging president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen the government’s war on drugs once he assumes office.

Villanueva made the appeal as he claimed that the crackdown on drugs, which was initiated by President Duterte, has been proven effective in maintaining peace and order in the country.

“We urge incoming president Marcos to continue and intensify the war on drugs,” the PDEA chief said at a press conference after his presentation at Malacañang during the Duterte legacy summit on Tuesday.

Villanueva said the war on drugs should be free of politics, as he claimed that the campaign against prohibited drugs has been proven effective in the reduction of crimes.

“The national anti-drug campaign is apolitical and knows no color. The sanctity of human life is the only thing familiar to it,” he said.

In his audio-visual presentation, Villanueva said the crime rate decreased from 45.04 percent in 2016 to 26.01 percent in 2022.

Government data showed that at least 6,248 drug suspects have been killed in alleged shootouts with police since President Duterte assumed office in 2016.

Villanueva said the Marcos administration should continue the war on drugs to ensure that the next generation of Filipinos will be protected from the ill effects of drug abuse.

“Hindi lang tayo ang magbe-benefit dito kung hindi pati ang ating mga anak at maging mga anak nila,” Villanueva said.

He commended Duterte for his tough stance against drugs even if the President has not kept his promise to rid the country of drugs in his first six months in office.

“He maybe entering the twilight of his term. But his profound legacy is bound to last and continues to linger for those he served. The legacy he will be leaving behind is an inspiration to build a better tomorrow,” Villanueva said.

Drug-free barangay

Meanwhile, Barangay Daanghari in Navotas City has been recognized by the PDEA after the community was declared drug-free.

Barangay Daanghari chairman Alvin Oliveros received a certification from the PDEA on May 24.

The city government has established a community-based rehabilitation, counseling and after-care program for drug dependents.

Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco acknowledged the hard work of officials and residents of Barangay Daanghari to promote peace and order.

“Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Navotas continued its relentless campaign against drugs to keep the residents safe,” Tiangco said.

Daanghari is the 13th barangay in Navotas declared drug-free by the PDEA. The other barangays are Bagumbayan North, Bangkulasi, Navotas East, Navotas West, North Bay Boulevard South, Dagat-dagatan, NBBS Proper and NBBS Kaunlaran, San Rafael Village, Sipac Almacen, Tanza I and Tanza II. – Ghio Ong