‘LDS’ matrix stresses need to destroy drug apparatus – Palace

Malacañang said that declassifying the LDS (Lanao del Sur) Drug Trade Linked Diagram only highlights the need to put a stop to the drug trade as it only destroys the country.

This after President Duterte revealed the said matrix which contains the names of 44 politicians linked to the illegal drug trade and who

have funded the terrorism in Marawi City.

In New York, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said that it is narcotics and not the Duterte administration’s war against drugs that has eroded the rule of law in the Philippines.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has maintained that it has not been remiss in constantly reminding its personnel about respect for human rights.

In fact, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said lessons on human rights are already incorporated in the training programs for incoming policemen, both officers and noncommissioned officers.

LDS Matrix According to Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, the fact that drug-linked local chief executives are involved in the rebellion only means that President Duterte’s all-out drug war is bearing fruit.

“The release of the matrix, LDS Drug Trade Linked Diagram, underscores the ties that bind between illegal drugs and criminal and terrorist activities,” Abella said.

“Local politicians in Mindanao adversely affected by the government’s campaign against illegal drugs have financed the Daesh-inspired Maute Group, whose attempt to undermine our sovereignty resulted in the rebellion in Marawi,” he added.

“It is therefore imperative that we destroy the drug apparatus not only to protect the Filipino family and the youth of the country but also to secure our communities,” he continued.

On Friday, President Duterte released the matrix, saying there is no reason to hide it from the public anymore.

“Listed in the matrix are the names of incumbent and former mayors and vice mayors, board members, and barangay captains listed either as drug lords or drug dealers.

Panda, Eagle in the room In a “no holds barred” public discussion at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York moderated by former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Cayetano said Western countries always react to the use of the word “war” when this is actually a “rule of law campaign” aimed at taking out power from drug lords and narcopoliticians and putting it back to law enforcement and the courts.

“We refuse to just watch and do nothing as the Philippines becomes a narco state and as we lose a whole generation to narcotics,” Cayetano said in his remarks.

Speaking before an international audience last Saturday, Cayetano also addressed concerns on Manila’s claims and entitlements in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea.

Naming the issue as the “Panda in the room,” Cayetano said the Philippines has in fact strengthened and not abandoned its claims.

“There is a change in strategy and framework but no change in fighting for our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” he said.

In his remarks, Cayetano likewise discussed the current state of Manila’s relations with Washington, by addressing what he called “the Eagle in the room.”

Secretary Cayetano said he is the perfect example of the enduring warm and old friendship between the Philippines and the United States because his mother is American.

While the two countries shall remain friends under the administration of President Duterte, the top Filipino diplomat said there is recalibration or recasting of Philippine-US relations under the independent foreign policy thrust of the Duterte administration.

The Secretary explained that the Philippines and the US share common values and interests, but these are not necessarily always identical.

“Our training from the start has the component of human rights, observance and respect from recruit courses to specialized courses,” said Carlos.(With a reportf from Aaron Recuenco)