MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is leading the Philippines in a strong drive against the issue of illegal drugs. His administration is focusing on both progress and compassion, and all signs point toward its effectiveness as the Philippine National Police (PNP) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in its recalibrated and bloodless fight against illegal drugs.
From Jan. 1 to Dec. 15, 2024, the PNP successfully seized an astounding PHP20.7 billion worth of illegal drugs—a staggering 101% increase compared to 2023.
In a statement released on Dec. 22, 2024, PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil revealed that 46,821 anti-drug operations were conducted in the country. These led to the arrest of 57,129 involved individuals, including key players in the illegal drug trade. The operations also seized more than eight metric tons of illegal drugs, surpassing 2023’s figures by nearly two metric tons. “This extraordinary achievement is a testament to our focused operations against high-value individuals in the illegal drug trade. Our calibrated approach, prioritizing human rights, proves that we can dismantle drug syndicates without unnecessary loss of life,” said Marbil.
The Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) was named the top performer during these operations, seizing nearly PHP9.9 billion in drugs. The PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) came in second with PHP2.4 billion.
“This accomplishment is not just a victory for the PNP but for the Filipino people who deserve safer and drug-free communities. Let this achievement inspire us to continue working together in our fight against illegal drugs,” Marbil affirmed.
Record-breaking drug bust in Batangas
On April 15, 2024, police in Alitagtag, Batangas found over PHP13.3 billion worth of shabu in a vehicle intercepted at a checkpoint stop. Going by the initial estimate of the seizure, this may have been the biggest drug bust in the country’s history. A van, flagged at a checkpoint in Barangay Pinagkurusan, Alitagtag Town, was found to have large bags of shabu hidden inside.
This joint effort involved the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). After the stop at the police checkpoint, DILG and PNP officials went to the scene and the PDEA screened the contraband materials. It shows how the government is tough on drug gangs while also helping people with rehabilitation and prevention.
PNP targets sources, not small-time pushers
President Marcos’ approach showed a significant shift from the previous administration’s methods, with the results to match. “So, it’s the most successful approach to the drug war so far. We’ll continue to do what we are doing,” said the President.
His call for a holistic approach—targeting drug syndicates and major players, while emphasizing rehabilitation for affected users, in line with public health considerations. This strategy saves lives and rebuilds communities, creating a ripple effect of progress and hope.
A Unified Approach for Greater Impact
Marcos is taking steps to boost the prioritization of human rights in the Philippines. He has formed a new group called the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination (SCHRC). This committee will ensure government agencies focus on their dedication to upholding human rights as directed by the President.
The special committee is led by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, with the Secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Jesus Crispin Remulla as the co-chair. Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the DILG are also involved as the body’s members.
This plan came through with Administrative Order No. 22 signed on May 8, 2024, and with the official launching of the committee on Aug. 9, 2024, which mandates the government to make better ways to support and protect human rights. The committee’s goal is to enshrine the proper practice of human rights and ensure that all receive fair and proper treatment in line with these.
Comprehensive Anti-Drug Campaign Roadmap for 2024-2028
The PNP on Nov. 20, 2024 announced that it is set to launch its comprehensive Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign Roadmap for 2024-2028, a strategic initiative designed to further intensify the fight against illegal drugs while ensuring the protection of human rights and dignity.
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil shared that they have wrapped up their plan. He said it includes lessons learned from the past and recognizing the hard work and sacrifices of many police officers in the fight against drugs. Similarly, he also vowed to keep pushing for a safer, drug-free Philippines.
“This roadmap is a testament to our dedication to protecting lives and upholding human dignity. It honors the heroism of our police force and aims to foster a safer, drug-free Philippines,” he said.
The plan sets out steps for community-oriented enforcement. It begins with humane and rights-based operations. Officers will get special training. There will be strong teamwork with other countries and active involvement from the community. The goal is to scale successful programs and establish a fully integrated law enforcement system that ensures seamless cooperation between national and local agencies while maintaining public trust.
Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta and the PNP Drug Enforcement Group are stepping up their game. They are focusing on strong operations, winning cases in court, and making sure the public knows how dangerous drugs can be. But it’s not just about catching bad guys. They are also working on prevention, building community ties, and creating a healthier, safer place for everyone in the Philippines. The big goal? A drug-free Philippines by 2030.
Marbil pointed out that this plan goes beyond just police work. It’s a complete approach that looks to cut down crime while also finding long-term ways to fight the illegal drug trade.
On Aug. 11, 2024, the PNP chief ordered the review of “Oplan Double Barrel” anti-drug strategy. This will evaluate if the program is still relevant and effective while identifying strengths and weaknesses, and aligning it with the government’s recalibrated anti-drug efforts. “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,” said Marbil.
Marbil’s review will look at important parts of the campaign. One part is “Project Tokhang”, which sends teams to knock on the doors of an alleged drug user and urge them to surrender.
Another part is “Project High-Value Target”, which aims to catch drug dealers and break up drug networks. A panel will be set up to assess these projects. It will be led by PNP Deputy Chief for Operations, Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria. There will be members from different PNP units, the Internal Affairs Service, the Human Rights Office, and other important groups.
Senate President Francis Chiz Escudero is backing the recalibrated anti-drug campaign. He thinks this strategy should have started earlier.
He believes it’s important to target not just small-time drug dealers, but also the big-time drug lords who drive the illegal trade in the country. “I agree and support this new strategy,” Escudero said in a statement. “It will make the supply of drugs scarce and price prohibitive for new and old users, and hopefully lower the prevalence of drugs and the number of drug users in the country,” he said.
