‘UPHOLD RULE OF LAW IN DRUG WAR’

Palma believes that police should not use excessive force against suspected drug personalities.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma urged the local police to observe the law in dealing with illegal drug personalities.

Palma made the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte said he plans to return the war on drugs to the Philippine National Police (PNP), just over a month after directing the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to lead the campaign.

In a press conference yesterday, Palma said that while he cannot question the President’s call to resume the police’s anti-illegal drug operations, he prays that they will avoid using excessive force in apprehending drug suspects.

“We can only say let’s follow the law and let’s try to remember that we are a one big family, both the people who are obedient to the law and even those for one reason or another, may have broken the law. They are still our brothers and sisters,” he said.

It was early this week when Duterte announced that he is returning the war on drugs to the PNP to prevent the illegal drug trade from further thriving.

Duterte also said that PDEA doesn’t have enough capability to implement the anti-drug campaign on their own.

While he reiterates his support for the President’s campaign against illegal drugs, Palma believes that legal and moral means can be done during anti-illegal operations.

Palma also said that people involved in illegal drugs can still be saved through drug rehabilitation programs such as those initiated by the Archdiocese of Cebu.

This includes the Surrender to God Drug Recovery Program organized by the Love of God Community and the Lahat Bangon program in Mandaue City.

This week, SuGod is will hold graduation rites for its 11th batch, with 45 drug surrenderers successfully graduating from the program.

Majority of the 45 drug surrenderers from SuGod’s 11th batch are from Barangay Ermita, Cebu City.

Palma said that if given a chance, drug surrenderers can reform and become good citizens. /