PNP denies report saying ‘shock-and-awe’ strategy failed drug war

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa on Monday brushed aside a report quoting the agency’s anti-illegal drug unit chief as saying that the “shock and awe” strategy against illegal drugs had not been effective in curbing drug menace in the country.

PNP Drug Enforcement Group chief Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat was quoted in a wire report as saying that the “shock and awe” strategy “definitely did not work” as drug supply is “still rampant.”

Caramat added that while the volume of illegal drugs has decreased, users can still purchase such products “anytime, anywhere” in the country.

But PNP chief Gamboa said that Caramat had denied the content of the report. He also believes that the strategy is still effective.

“Dineny niya yun eh,” Gamboa said in a press conference at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

In a statement released by the PNP, Caramat claimed that he was misquoted, adding that he is “more than willing to be relieved immediately” if there is evidence to prove that he issued the remark.

“I challenge Reuters that if they have evidence to prove that I said all those things, I am more than willing to be relieved immediately,” Caramat said.

For its part, the PNP said that there has been no “let-up” in its campaign against illegal drugs.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said that supply reduction remains the “backbone” of its campaign, adding that the focus shifted from street-level drug peddlers  to the high-level dealers.