MANILA, Aug. 9 -- Massive gains have been reported in the country's anti-drug campaign as the Philippine National Police (PNP) celebrated its 116th founding anniversary.
This was stressed by PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa during his welcome remarks to various guests who gathered at the PNP Grandstand in Cramp Crame, Quezon City Wednesday afternoon.
These individuals include President Rodrigo Duterte, former president and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Catalino S. Cuy, Justice Secretary Vitalliano Aquirre II, Armed Forces chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año and the heads of the three major military services.
Prior to Dela Rosa's welcome remarks, the Chief Executive was given arrival honors and trooped the line by the PNP.
Dela Rosa said that the PNP, thanks to Duterte's support, has made massive gains in the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.
Starting July 1, 2016 up to June 30 this year, the PNP chief said they have facilitated the surrender of 1,309,776 drug addicts and pushers and conducted 64,527 anti-drug operations.
Also, in the same period, 86,030 drug personalities were arrested while 3,264 narcotics personalities were killed.
Meanwhile, operations against high-value targets, during the above-mentioned period, resulted in the surrender of 3,522 high-profile targets and death of 141 others.
Around 1,340 suspects were also arrested during this period and 104 drug-related homicide cases are now undergoing investigation.
A total of 65 police officers were killed and 170 others wounded in the course of the anti-illegal drugs operations, the PNP chief stressed.
Despite these losses, Dela Rosa said the PNP remains committed in its anti-drug missions and will never waver in its peace and security role.
These constant actions have also resulted in the reduction of 85,859 kilograms of drugs in the market, causing damages of PHP500 billion to the various narcotics syndicates. (PNA)
