P4.4B drugs seized, 55,547 people arrested during Duterte’s stint

Up to P4.4 billion worth of shabu seized and 55,547 drug suspects were apprehended by the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) in the past six years since the campaign against illegal drugs started when former President Rodrigo Duterte took office.

The PRO-7 reported that from July 1, 2016 to June 26, 2022, a total of 55,547 drug personalities were arrested in their 40,227 operations.

During the said anti-narcotics operations, a total of 614,216.29 grams of shabu with a standard drug price value of more than P4 billion and 2,373,839.93 grams of marijuana worth P284.8 million were confiscated.

The entire anti-illegal drug operations for the past six years reached an accumulated total standard drug price value of P4.4 billion.

Meanwhile, aside from the intensified anti-illegal drug operations, a significant downward trend of the reported annual crime incidents was also recorded.

The police-initiated operations with the help of regional units resulted in a downward trend of 22 percent in the annual crime volume. Crimes against properties, the most prevalent in the region, went down by 1,803 cases or 25 percent decrease per year.

On the other hand, the intensified internal cleansing program of the Philippine National Police also resulted in dismissal from service of 90 police personnel, demotion of 28, and suspension of 217 since July 2016.

“PRO-7 vowed to go after erring policemen as part of the PNP’s internal cleansing program, which aimed to produce a professional, dedicated, and disciplined police force,” said PRO-7 director, Brig. Gen. Roque Eduardo Vega.

He also urged his subordinates to continue implementing PNP's programs to ensure public safety and internal security.

"With the new administration, PRO-7 conjointly breathe our unifying spirit of 'Service, Honor, and Justice'. We will be forever grateful to our President for boosting the morale and image of the Philippine National Police," Vega said.

"To our Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, on behalf of the abled Bisdak Cops, I render my snappy salute," added Vega. —