In a marked departure from the past during which the mantra was “kill, kill, and kill,” the operations now of the Philippine National Police (PNP) against criminals, especially those involved in illegal drugs, must adhere to the new policy of being “humane, truthful and bloodless” as possible.
This is what President Bongbong Marcos reiterated in his speech before the officers and men of the PNP headed by Gen. Rommel Marbil.
The occasion was the 123rd anniversary of the Police Service at Camp Crame, Quezon City on August 8. Marcos said the achievements of the PNP were made possible because of its “resolve to uphold the rule of law” and the “unparalleled dedication and service” of police officers led by Marbil.
He highlighted what he described as “effective” but “lawful” efforts against illegal activities.
“Our crackdown on illegal drugs, smuggling, illegal gambling, private armed groups, human trafficking and criminality has also strengthened significantly in ways that are not only effective but legal and lawful,” the President said.
When Marcos started his presidency in 2022, he immediately laid down his administration’s policy against illegal drugs, saying the crackdown on drugs involves rehabilitation, reintegration and preventive education programs since enforcement “only gets you so far.”
The President and Commander-in-Chief took the occasion to praise the leadership of General Marbil, saying his tenure over the past months has been filled with “noteworthy reforms and achievements.”
“Under General Marbil, the police has taken aggressive steps toward sustaining the gains of peace and order that we have collectively and painstakingly worked hard for,” the President said.
Marcos hailed the PNP’s intensified patrol operations and increased police deployment, contributing to a “notable drop” in crime rates.
He also praised the effective response of the police force as they have responded to nearly all or 99 percent of the calls for police assistance and have operationalized its Cybersecurity Operations Center to intensify cyber patrolling.
Marbil is faced with the daunting task of pursuing the transformation of the police’s image—from being feared by the citizens during the previous administration to being the trustworthy crimebuster that they are today.
The President emphasized: “In carrying out this task, the police need to be disciplined, transparent and fair. Erring and corrupt police personnel will face the appropriate sanctions.”
It may be recalled that in his recent 3rd State of the Nation Address, the Chief Executive reported that more than P44 billion worth of illegal drugs have been seized and 97,000 drug personalities have been arrested under his “bloodless war” on dangerous drugs, highlighting that the accomplishments were achieved without resorting to “extermination.”
Marcos and Marbil have shown the nation that the legitimate and humane approach in fighting drug trafficking and abuse is the way to go—it is in fact more productive and produce the best results in the government’s campaign.
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