Lead drug rehabilitation efforts, PNP tells local officials

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February 24, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — As the Philippine National Police exerts more pressure on drug syndicates and their networks, barangay officials and sectoral representatives must take the lead in the rehabilitation of drug users, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said yesterday.

Marbil made the plea as he stressed the need for stronger community engagement to complement intensified anti-narcotics operations.

Marbil highlighted the importance of barangay anti-drug abuse councils (BADAC) in their recalibrated anti-drug campaign.

“As we exert relentless pressure on drug suppliers and their networks, BADAC officials must take the lead in rehabilitating and reforming their constituents,” he said.

Under the PNP’s recalibrated approach, police officers prioritize the observance of human rights where law enforcement operations are amplified against drug rings but opportunities are provided for suspects who can still be saved.

It is where the BADACs play a crucial role as the government’s frontline force, Marbil explained, as he noted barangay officials and residents are in the best position to identify whom among their community are drug users.

“We need them to be proactive not just in monitoring illegal drug activities but also in ensuring that those seeking reform are given real opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society,” he said.

Up to 131,578 drug suspects were arrested in 97,406 anti-narcotics operations under the Marcos administration, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said in its latest report.

Among them are 8,404 high-value targets in the illegal drug trade.

The number of drug-affected barangays are down to 6,113 while 29,390 were cleared of illegal drugs.

The PDEA said 13,635.22 kilos of shabu, cocaine and marijuana and 121,022 pieces of the party drug Ecstasy with a combined value of P56.37 billion were seized from July 1, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2025.

Unlike the bloody war on drugs of former president Rodrigo Duterte, the PNP under Marcos has opted for intelligence-driven operations targeting high-value suspects as well as the dismantling of drug syndicates while enhancing coordination with local government units and BADACs to ensure a more comprehensive and holistic response to the problem.

Marbil stressed the anti-drug campaign is not just about making arrests but also about saving lives, protecting communities and ensuring human rights are upheld at all times.

To support BADACs, Marbil said the PNP shall continue conducting training and capacity-building programs to strengthen its capability in implementing drug prevention initiatives.