The number of suspected drug users and pushers killed in the anti-drug campaign of President Duterte is expected to breach 1,000 today as police intensify their campaign to meet the Chief Executive’s six-month deadline.
Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police, said 998 suspected drug pushers and users have been killed while 14,576 were arrested as of yesterday in more than 15,000 operations conducted nationwide since July 1 this year.
PNP chief Director General Ronald M. dela Rosa said he has instructed his commanders to double their efforts as the first deadline for the anti-drugs war, the reduction of the drug supply by 50 percent in the first three months of the term of Duterte, nears.
“We need to do more because on the number of the surrenderees for instance, it has already plateaued to more than 600,000,” said Dela Rosa.
The number of suspected drug pushers and users who have surrendered as of yesterday was 684,250.
Dela Rosa said their target is to have all 1.8 million drug pushers assessed by the Dangerous Drugs Board to surrender before the six-month deadline.
“But at the current rate, it would be very difficult that is why we need to step up,” said Dela Rosa.
(Aaron B. Recuenco)