PNP beating 6-month deadline on war vs drugs

CAMPRUPERTOKANGLEON, Palo, Leyte — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is beating the six-month deadline set by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in eliminating the illegal drugs menace in the country.

PNP Chief Police Director General Ronald M. Dela Rosa speaking during the delayed 115th PNP Founding Anniversary Tuesday morning called on PNP officials and personnel to double their efforts as they have now entered the 2nd month of the drive nationwide.

Dela Rosa reported the successful drive against the drug problem, citing Region 8 where the PNP killed 36 drug pushers while 20,528 have surrendered to police authorities.

He likewise called on Eastern Visayas suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte to show up and surrender to authorities. Dela Rosa said even if the young Espinosa has changed his face by plastic surgery, the PNP can still run after him.

He likewsie asked the support of local officials in Eastern Visayas as they play a major role in the campaign to stamp out the illegal drugs nationwide.

Dela Rosa handed awards to various PNP officials and private individuals including Allen,Northern Samar Mayor Rod Laureano Suan for being an outstanding LGU in Region 8 and to the Caibiran Municipal Police Station and Naval Police Station for outstanding performance as well as the Leyte Police Provincial Office through Sr. Supt. Franco Simborio, Tacloban City Police Office through Sr. Supt. Rolando Bade and to Albuera, Leyte Police Commander Chief Inspector Jovie Espinido.

The PNP Eastern Visayas anniversary led by Chief Supt.Elmer C. Beltejar and graced by Gen. Dela Rosa was attended by Northern Samar Governor Jose L. Ong Jr., Northern Samar 2nd District Rep. Edwin C. Ong, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Petilla, Leyte Reps. Vicente Veloso, Henry Ong, Samar Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento, 802nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Mario Lacurom, and other local officials from various municipalities of Leyte and Samar.