Arrest. Graphic art
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said that his administration has charged 177 police officers in Metro Manila with drug-related offenses in 2023.
These charges include the planting of evidence and the use of excessive force, said Marcos in a video message on Facebook.
“Alam naman natin na kung minsan, nadadala ang ating mga opisyal at syempre hindi natin maaaring pabayaan yan. Kaya ang nangyari ay 177 police officers have been charged with drug-related offenses, including the planting of evidence, unlawful arrests, and excessive violence, dito palang sa NCR (National Capital Region),” said Marcos.
(We know that sometimes, officials get carried away, and of course, we cannot tolerate that. That is why 177 police officers have drug-related offenses, including the planting of evidence, unlawful arrests, and excessive violence, just here in the NCR.)
Marcos said that the fight against illegal drugs will not slow down.
In 2023, the president warned the Philippine National Police to observe zero tolerance for corruption and human rights abuses.
“It is imperative that we reiterate our zero-tolerance policy for corruption and human rights abuses within the PNP and, in that matter, all of government,” Marcos said in a speech in September 2023.