The Philippine National Police is eyeing a drug free Philippines at the end of this year.
Senior Supt. Albert Ignatius Ferro, director of the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group, said the goal is attainable with the cooperation of the public.
“I do believe in him to that objective accomplished by year-end. We hope and we ask the public not to lose hope,” said Ferro, referring to Director General Ronald M. dela Rosa, PNP chief, who had said that the country would be drug free at the end of the year.
Ferro admitted the difficulty in finishing the illegal drugs problems in the country. “This is a lonely journey for us. There are some challenges and we will face it squarely,” said Ferro.
From July 1 last year up to yesterday morning, 2,261 drug personalities were killed while 46,126 others were arrested. More than one million drug users and pushers have surrendered to the police.
President Duterte had said that there are some four million drug users across the country, which prompted him to seek a six-month extension on his original six month promise to end the illegal drugs problem.
The campaign against illegal drugs recently had another twist as allegations surfaced that it is being used by some erring policemen to extort money especially from businessmen.
Among them was that of South Korean business executive Jee Ick-joo who was kidnapped and killed by suspects that include four policemen last year despite the payment of a R5-million ransom by his family. (Aaron B. Recuenco)