THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) doubled down on its campaign against illegal drugs despite the criticisms regarding its reported violent enforcement.
During the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Nov. 6, Captain Hazel Tuazon, DCPO spokesperson, said, “The Davao City Police Office is relentless in going after drug users and pushers. Our efforts are clear in going after them because they have different mindsets.”
Tuazon was asked to comment on Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil’s statement where he said drug users were only forced to use the prohibited substance to stay away during long work hours or to extend their duties.
“As for the Davao City Police Office, we have no comment on their statement, as it is their opinion. But as I have said, the Davao City Police Office continues its campaign against illegal drugs,” Tuazon said.
She also mentioned that during the time of Former President Rodrigo Duterte, many drug users had surrendered.
“And now, we have records of those involved before but for now, we have no record of surrenderees although we continue to arrest individuals,” she added.
When asked if there have been no surrenderees under the current administration, Tuazon responded, “I still have to check with our Barangay Drug Abuse Council if there have been any surrenderees after the term of FPRRD.”
At a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, PNP Public Information Office Chief PBGen. Jean Fajardo defended Marbil following a viral statement that seemed to suggest the general was endorsing the use of illegal drugs merely as a stimulant for work, particularly for night-shift workers or those with extended duty hours.
In a recent interview, Marbil explained that most of those they apprehend for involvement in illegal drug use are not necessarily addicts, but are forced to use prohibited substances to stay awake during long work hours or extended shifts.
The statement sparked various reactions from the public, with some interpreting it as condoning the use of illegal drugs, such as shabu, to perform better at work or stay alert.
“It’s a health problem, it’s an economic problem. That’s why the discussion also touched on how some of those using illegal drugs are not really drug dependents. Some are social users, and in fact, we have apprehended individuals who said they used drugs just to stay awake and extend their working hours. I think that was the context of what our Chief PNP meant when he said drug users should not be seen as purely bad people but as victims since there is also an economic side to this issue. Take, for example, the conductors and drivers who test positive for drugs. Their reason is that they have long trips and need to stay awake,” Fajardo said, adding that drug users deserve a second chance.
Asked about Oplan Tokhang (Toktok-Hangyo), Tuazon clarified, “Our Oplan Tokhang is not only targeting individuals involved in illegal drugs. It also includes those involved in theft, robbery, and those listed in the rogue gallery of police stations. We coordinate with the barangay captains—not to threaten them—but to gather data on these individuals. We have visited them.”
Based on records from Jan. 1 to Nov. 6, 2024, the DCPO conducted 1,131 operations, resulting in the arrest of 1,439 individuals. Of the number, 1,340 were charged under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Moreover, Tuazon thanked the city government for its continued support.
“If we request something from the LGU, they immediately provide it, especially when it comes to the campaign against illegal drugs, particularly in rehabilitation efforts, and with the help of non-government organizations (NGOs),” she added.
Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte defended his campaign against illegal drugs, emphasizing his concern for innocent citizens, the youth, and communities victimized by the effects of illegal drugs.
In fact, during his appearance before the Senate on Oct. 28, President Duterte once again emphasized that his fight was against criminals and anyone involved in illegal drugs. He also expressed his willingness to take responsibility for any cases filed against him due to the war on drugs during his administration.
Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace Saron
