PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief Col. Redrico Maranan (File photo)
MANILA – Operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) seized closed PHP6 billion worth of illegal drugs in the first four months of 2023, Public Information Office (PIO) chief Col. Redrico Maranan said on Wednesday.
“Simula nung January hanggang April 22 ay halos PHP6 billion na droga na yung ating nakukumpiska at marami na rin tayong na-filan ng kaso. Tuluy-tuloy ang paghabol natin doon sa mga tinatawag nating mga big-time drug pushers sapagkat yan naman ang utos ng ating Pangulo at ng ating SILG [Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government]. Tuluy-tuloy yan at sa katunayan marami na tayong nahuhuli at marami na tayong nakukumpiskang droga (Starting January this year until April 22, we have confiscated almost PHP6 billion worth of drugs and also filed many cases. We will continue to go after what we call big-time drug pushers because that is what our President and our SILG ordered. This continues and in fact we have already arrested several people and confiscated a lot of illegal drugs),” Maranan said in a radio interview on Wednesday.
Asked if there are personnel in the recycling of drugs, Maranan answered none because the law and processes are strict on the so-called chain of custody.
“Whoever is in charged in the safekeeping of the seized illegal drug and presented the same for laboratory for examination will be documented, so we believe seized evidence will be untouched as we have a three-witness rule. There must be witnesses in the handling and investigation on these confiscated items,” he said.
During his assumption speech last Monday, newly installed PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. warned erring members of the police force involved in illegal activities.
“My stand on anti-illegal drugs is clear, no police should be involved in pushing, using or whatever means of illegal drug trade. You will be charged and removed from the service,” Acorda said.
“This is my warning to each and every one of you, our fight will be holistic in prevention and aggressive in operations. Under my leadership, rewards and punishment will be quick and decisive, it shall be fair and impartial and due process shall be observed. We will establish unity, promote patriotism, uplift morale, strengthen cooperation and instill discipline in our organization,” he added. (PNA)
