FIRST SAY:
There is some good in this world, and it is worth fighting for.
-Iconic Quotes
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Now it can be said---and for sure, it could be written---that in its recent history, the Philippines has had a two-pronged approach in solving the drug menace, which is the modern scourge of nations.
First, there was Digong Duterte and Bato dela Rosa's Tokhang culture, Davao style. This was characterized by militaristic police operations against all sub-sectors of the drugs trade, from big syndicates coddled even by police generals and colonels and lowlife drug pushers in the streets.
The unwritten rule then was based on Duterte's pep talk and vitriolics---kill them, kill, and Digong will exonerate you, even take your place in jail. Many gullible policemen believed him, and look where they are now.
Because the small pushers were very visible and easy to subdue, they were the ones who bore the brunt of the "Tokhang," adding to the body count every day.
The other approach to fighting the drugs war is the current one by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Philippine National Police chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil.
Marbil announced last Sunday that the police force is now implementing a recalibrated approach in its fight against illegal drugs.
The approach recognizes that the drug problem is a complex issue, and thus it prioritizes targeting the sources and supply chains rather than focusing on street-level pushers and users.
In a statement released to the media, General Marbil took a dig at Digong's previous drug campaign, which was bloody and a great user of body bags. He said, "Our previous strategies concentrated too much on cutting off the heads, but we need to target the body---the entire supply chain and the sources driving the drug trade."
For policemen in the field, this means they will have to undertake intensified intelligence operations and stronger community engagement to identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks.
"We are now focusing on high-value drug personalities and movements of illegal drugs across the country. These are the real targets---those who orchestrate the trade and profit from it, not the street-level pushers and users, who are often victims of circumstance," Marbil explained.
Following the policy directive of President Marcos, the PNP chief underscored the importance of minimizing bloodshed as he pointed out that "with this approach, we are not only saving lives but also working toward a better future for our nation. We are committed to addressing the drug issue with compassion, strategy, and adherence to the rule of law."
Marbil stated that this strategy is a crucial step toward achieving the objective of PBBM for a safer and more secure Philippines.
At the end of President Bongbong's term, and provided he sticks to this recalibrated approach as defined by Marbil, our generation of Filipinos will have the rare opportunity to assess the two approaches to fighting the drug menace, and perhaps with an unbiased mind arrive at a conclusion on which approach was better.
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Another buy-bust operation
When the police notches a rare arrest or drug bust, it is but proper to congratulate them. It was reported yesterday that the PNP seized illegal drugs estimated at P17 million worth, and arrested two suspects in a sting operation in Negros Occidental.
PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said two suspects yielded 255 grams of suspected shabu when arrested Sunday in Barangay Airport, Bacolod City, Negros Occ.
The suspects are detained at the Bacolod police department pending the filing of complaints against them for violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
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