The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) renewed its commitment to lead the country’s fight against illegal drugs, in parallel with “Bagong Pilipinas” – the campaign rally of the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R Marcos, Jr. which calls for a principled, accountable, and dependable government that stirs social consciousness towards transformation, participatory governance and economic growth.
One and a half years of the PBBM administration caught a glimpse of the small wins and intangible achievements in the national anti-drug campaign. These modest successes are signs that the ruling government is on the right track and taking progressive steps to rid the country of illegal drugs.
Owing to the collaborative efforts between PDEA, and other partner government and law enforcement units, including international counterparts, a total of 55,495 anti-illegal drug operations were conducted resulting in the arrest of 75,880 drug personalities and the seizure of dangerous drugs amounting to ?31.07 billion, from July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023- the first 18 months of President Marcos Jr.’s term.
Although the said numbers of anti-drug operations and arrests pale in comparison to the figures posted at the onset of the intense war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, or PRRD (July 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017), a monumental decline of 95% in the number of drug personalities who died during anti-drug operations was observed.
The glaring dip on deaths is attributed to a pivotal shift, from a harsh approach at the time of the drug war to the present campaign where heightened attention on the conduct of intelligence-based, high-impact anti-drug operations is given much emphasis.
As a result, the seizure of 4.21 tons of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, the drug of choice among the country’s drug users; the number of high-impact anti-drug operations conducted; and the sum of apprehended high-value targeted drug personalities under the PBBM’s administration are 62%, 269% and 78% higher compared to the figures tallied during PRRD’s period, respectively.
These substantial gains are a testament to the government’s resoluteness to actively pursue high-level drug traffickers and organized criminal networks involved in the illegal drug trade, while at the same time turning the spotlight on the strict adherence to the rule of law, and respect for life, dignity and rights of an individual.
In an attempt to restore public confidence in the nationwide fight against dangerous drugs, PDEA and other law enforcement units have refocused their efforts to consciously apply human rights principles and practices in enforcement operations. Thus, striking the balance between an active regard for the rule of law and right to life without losing the intensity and aggressiveness of going after targeted drug personalities.
The operations are more intelligence-driven, citing its crucial role in counter-narcotics efforts, with particular consideration on the use of non-violent methods in effecting arrest of suspects, especially armed ones, with only the least amount of reasonable force required to accomplish the mission. These factors led to a dramatic plunge on drug-related deaths in contrast to PRRD’s drug war.
Drawing lessons from the past on how devastating and destructive the war on drugs can be if it is carried on by lethal force, the present government chose to adopt a more humane approach to solve the drug problem, and is breathing new life into the anti-drug drive.
Hitting the reset button, the national anti-drug campaign is enjoying a long-awaited renaissance under the “Bagong Pilipinas” brand of leadership. It has taken a new face and is working wonders. It is consistently producing small but steady wins that may lead to even bigger victories as the fight against the drug menace ploughs on.
Drug Demand Reduction Strategy
In support to the drug reformation and rehabilitation program of PBBM’s government, PDEA, together with the local government units and other government agencies, continually implements the Balay Silangan Reformation Program – a community-based endeavor aimed to build temporary shelters which house surrendering drug offenders with the objective of reforming them into self-sufficient and law-abiding members of society.
In 2023, 105 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers were established. These facilities have produced 1,854 graduates after undergoing appropriate interventions, and livelihood and skills training programs.
Since its launch in 2018, the Balay Silangan Reformation Program have built 535 reformation centers across the country that churned out 7,526 reformists; and provided employment opportunities to 2,123 individuals.
During the year, 314,917 Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) likewise underwent the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program in the barangays and are now living a renewed life.
To supplement the reparation efforts in the grassroots levels, PDEA issued Memorandum Circular No. 2023-042, or the “Protocol for Providing Assistance for Voluntary Rehabilitation and Intervention and the Creation of Regional Public Assistance Desk” that sets the stage for the institutionalization of a procedure in assisting PWUDs to gain access to appropriate intervention. So far, the Desk provided 116 drug dependents the opportunity to get the help they need.
PDEA also launched a program to empower advocates and become force multipliers in the conduct of above cited activities through training and capacity-building dubbed as “Adbokasiya LABan sa Iligal na Droga”, or simply “ALAB”. In 2023, a total of 98 Trainings of Trainers attended by 5,619 participants were conducted in all provinces and highly-urbanized cities nationwide.
Powered by a renewed conviction that human life is precious and must be saved at all costs, the government has put a premium on preserving lives ripped apart by the scourge of illegal drugs in the form of rehabilitation, interventions and social reintegration programs.
