Palace: PNP's return to drug war an option

ALLOWING the Philippine National Police ( PNP) to resume a primary role in the government's war on drugs remains an option, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Monday, November 20.

He said, however, that the matter requires careful study. Besides, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ( PDEA), the agency exclusively tasked to carry out anti- drug operations at present, can still handle the problem.

"That's what the President said. He did not say that he would do it in soonest time possible. I think, the President is thoroughly studying ( the possible participation of the PNP anew in drug war)," Roque told reporters in a press conference in Malacañang.

President Rodrigo Duterte pulled the police out of the drug war after several personnel were involved in suspected extrajudicial killings. The PNP was ordered to cleanse its ranks, focus on addressing crimes and maintain visibility as a deterrent to illegal drug activities.

Duterte issued a memorandum on October 10 directing the PDEA to spearhead the campaign against narcotics.

But on November 18, Duterte alluded to the possibility that the police would join the PDEA in carrying out anti- drug operations.

"The drug problem, if it becomes worse again, the police has to enter the picture. I want it ( illegal drugs problem) eradicated if possible," Duterte said in an event in Davao City over the weekend. Sunnex