PH’s anti-drug drive in int’l spotlight at ASEAN inter-parliamentary meeting

MANILA, July 5 — The head of the Philippine delegation on Wednesday put the administration’s anti-drug campaign into international spotlight during an inter-parliamentary meeting with ASEAN lawmakers, citing a sharp decline in the prices of hard drugs and the rate of crimes.

House Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu presented the country report on the results of President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign during the 13th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Fact-Finding Committee (AIFOCOM) to Combat the Drug Menace at Conrad Hotel, Pasay City.

During his presentation, Abu highlighted that the Duterte administration “has transformed the drive against illegal drugs from a mere law enforcement concern, to a full-blown, multi-agency and community-based illegal drug eradication program.”

“This (war on drugs) consists of intelligence activities, drug prevention and public information campaigns as well as victim rehabilitation and community re-assimilation efforts,” he added.

Abu said since the start of the Duterte administration, the government has seized about PHP13 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), and sequestered around PHP19 billion worth of non-drug evidence.

Abu said at least 1.3 million drugs have voluntarily surrendered and are undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration in the community.

He further noted that after 62,751 anti-illegal drug operations, the crime rate has decreased by 28.57 percent.

The Batangas lawmaker also pointed out the link between illegal drugs and terrorism with the confiscation of more than PHP200 million worth of shabu during the military operations against terrorist groups in Mindanao.

Abu urged ASEAN member states to work together “to streamline laws that will address criminality, enhance law enforcement, strengthen border control and facilitate joint maritime and coastal security cooperation.”

Pursuant to its term of reference, the AIFOCOM should meet at least once a year, preferably in the country where the AIPA General Assembly will be held on that year. The Philippines is host to the 38th AIPA General Assembly this year. (Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA)

Popular

PBBM lauds education milestones, vows to further improve welfare of learners, teachers

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised the various achievements of his administration stemming from sweeping reforms on education, in his speech...

PBBM assures gov’t support to homeless Filipinos, reaffirms commitment to ending hunger

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said that the administration, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), will intensify...

PBBM vows gov’t response on electricity, water issues

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to work on addressing issues related to energy and water in his speech at the...

DepEd, DICT to bring internet connectivity in all PH public schools —PBBM

By Brian Campued On the heels of the launching of the National Fiber Backbone Phases 2 and 3 this month, the government is relentless in...