PNP, other law enforcement agencies ordered to help PDEA in drug war

Update

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will resume supporting the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, a Palace official said Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a memorandum circular ordering the PNP and other law enforcement agencies to support PDEA’s anti-narcotics operation.

“Meaning the PDEA remains the lead but the PNP will participate in anti-illegal drug operations,” Roque said in an interview in Malacañang.

“The PDEA shall continue to be the overall lead agency in anti-drug campaigns and operations, the [Dangerous Drugs Board] as planning and strategy making body in planning and formulation of policies on drug control,” he added.

The memorandum circular, as read to the press by Roque, cites the “notable resurgence” in illegal drugs and crimes “since the PNP and the other law enforcement agencies were directed to yield to the PDEA the conduct of all anti-illegal drugs.”

Duterte in October made the PDEA as the lead in the government’s violent crackdown against illegal drugs following the allegations of human rights abuses in police operations.