The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) stated that the revival of the death penalty for drug traffickers will greatly help in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
According to DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, “we need to pass it in order to reinforce our fight against illegal drugs. In Asia, tayo na lang ang naiiwan na walang (we are lagging behind because we do not have the) death penalty. Almost all heinous crimes committed are related with the use of illegal drugs.”
He pointed out that many lives were lost due to illegal drugs. The said punishment is important to stop drug trafficking by criminals.
Meanwhile, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Wilkins Villanueva also expressed support for the return of death penalty.
“We have caught transactions where the go signal comes from inside so it means even if they are in jail, they can still continue with their activities. PDEA is in favor of that. Their acts of pushing through with their activities even if they are in detention are just too much.” – PTV News