The government’s relentless campaign against illegal drugs has resulted in the death of 6,600 suspects, the arrest of 240,565 and the surrender of 1,283,409, according to the Philippine NaÂtional Police (PNP).
The data covers the period from July 2, 2016 to May 31, 2019.
The latest figures were anÂnounced yesterday by PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde in a command conference at Camp Crame.
In addition, the PNP disclosed that 12,177 of 42,045 barangays have been declared drug-free.
However, 282 barangays remain seriously affected by the drug menÂace, 10,835 moderately affected and 9,354 slightly affected.
Majority of the drug-affected barangays are in Bicol (Region 5) with 2,530 villages.
It was followed by Central LuÂzon (Region 3) with 2,342 baranÂgays; Central Visayas (Region 7) with 2,293; Calabarzon (Region 4A) with 1,758; and Western Visayas (Region 6) with 1,717.
In Metro Manila, 1,515 baranÂgays remain affected by the illeÂgal drugs, the data showed.
Meanwhile, as of the first quarÂter of the year, authorities have alÂready seized P32.42 billion worth of illegal drugs and laboratory equipment, according to a sepaÂrate data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Police Colonel Bernard Banac, PNP spokesman, called on the public’s help in eliminating illegal drugs in the country.
“We are on track to significantÂly reduce, if not totally eliminate illegal drugs in the country. But more work needs to be done,” Banac said.
“The law enforcement, PNP or PDEA, cannot do it alone. We need the whole nation to work together and fight this menace,” he added.
The PNP spokesman noted the importance of a united family “so that children will be protected and taught well” to avoid illegal drugs.
“We need the schools and churches to impart knowledge and instill values. We need the local governments and baranÂgays to synchronize and synerÂgize all our drug prevention acts together. We need the media to help us inform the public,” he concluded. (Martin Sadongdong)