The Philippine National Police said Thursday that their anti-illegal drugs campaign remains on track despite their efforts to thwart possible terrorist attacks in the country.
PNP chief Director General Ronald M. dela Rosa, in an interview following his visit to Mindoro, admitted that their anti-terrorism efforts have somehow affected their campaign but it has not derailed their three to six month target of eradicating illegal drugs in the country.
“Somehow may epekto pero hindi pa din made-derail (ang aming kampanya),” Dela Rosa said. “Pipilitin natin na manalo tayo sa giyera sa droga. Pipilitin natin by all means. Iyan ang pinaka primary objective natin ngayon.”
“But iyun nga at the same time sine-secure natin ang ating mga urban centers para sa possible terror attacks kaya nga pinapasok ang military. Very crucial ang role nila dito sa ating kapulisan,” the PNP chief added.
The PNP, augmented by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, continues to establish check and choke points in different areas around the country determined as necessary.
The conduct of checkpoints and choke points is based on Proclamation No. 55 that declared a state of national emergency in the country following the night market explosion in Davao City on September 2 that killed 15 persons and injured 71 others. (Francis T. Wakefield)