SWS poll on fewer drug users ‘proves’ drug war to be ‘effective’ — PNP spox

Senior Supt. Bernard Banac, Philippine National Police spokesperson. INQUIRER.net file photo / Cathrine Gonzales

MANILA, Philippines — The survey results showing that majority of Filipinos see fewer illegal drug users in their areas “proves” that the government’s war on drugs campaign is effective.

This was the statement of Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Senior Superintendent Bernard Banac on Sunday on the poll results released by the Social Weather Stations.

According to the study, 66 percent of Filipinos said that there are fewer drug addicts in their areas compared last year.

READ: SWS: Majority of Filipinos see fewer drug users in their areas

“The high rating obtained proves that the continuing anti-illegal drugs campaign of the government is effective in convincing drug dependents to refrain from further using illegal drugs, and instrumental in reducing the total number of crimes nationwide thereby, creating a secure environment where people feel safe to live, work, and do business,” Banac said in a statement.

“The PNP assures the public that we will continue to perform our mandate within the bounds of the law and with utmost respect for human rights,” he added.

On Saturday, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo also said that the survey results was a “validation” of the success of the war on drugs.

He also urged critics of the government to “stop playing blind dumb” and accept that Filipinos believe that there are fewer drug users now.

“They remain skeptical, unimpressed and indifferent of the significant strides made by our authorities in relation to prohibited narcotics even pointing out there remains demand and supply on illegal drugs. We ask them to stop playing blind dumb and instead listen to the people,” Panelo said. /je

READ: Palace to critics: Accept that most Filipinos see fewer addicts now