Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Wednesday ordered an audit of the country's main anti-drug strategy "Oplan Double Barrel" and revisit its strengths and weaknesses and align it with the government's recalibrated anti-drug drive.
"We need to take a hard look at our past and present strategies in the fight against illegal drugs. By understanding what worked and what didn’t, we can refine our approach and ensure a more effective and humane campaign moving forward," he said.
The first Oplan Double Barrel was launched in 2016 under the PNP chief and now Senator Ronald Bato dela Rosa. It was relaunched in 2017 as Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded. The last version of the campaign plan was called Double Barrel Finale Version 2022.
Marbil also ordered the creation of a panel to review the campaign's key components -- Project Tokhang (house-to-house visit to convince drug users to surrender) and Project High-Value Target (geared towards drug dealers and drug syndicates).
The panel will be led by the office of the PNP deputy chief for operations, Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria, while the members will be composed of representatives from the PNP directorates for operations, investigation, intelligence, and community relations, Internal Affairs Service, and Human Rights Office.
"This review panel will bring together the key components of our police force to ensure a comprehensive and balanced evaluation,” Marbil said.
He said a memorandum to be issued soon will detail the guidelines outlining the review panel's functions and the deadline for submitting its findings and recommendations.
“The insights we gain from this review will directly inform our recalibrated strategy, ensuring that our anti-illegal drugs campaign is not only effective but also aligned with the principles of justice and human rights," he said.
The move complies with the Marcos administration's thrust of upholding respect for human rights in the fight against illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. reiterated that the government's drug war will be carried out "by law."
"It's legal, no extra-judicial (EJK) killings, that's what I told the police. Life is priceless, and no one should die through EJK unless, of course, it’s a valid self-defense," he added.
Under the flagship program 'Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan' (BIDA), Abalos said the scheme is geared toward “demand reduction and supply reduction’’ where the PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and National Bureau of Investigation pursue the community approach strategy in the “demand reduction’’ aspect.
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