(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte has allowed the Philippine National Police to return to the government’s anti-drug war.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said under the administrative order signed by Duterte on Oct. 10, though, the lead agency would still be the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
“They must coordinate with the lead agency. Perhaps if they want to resume Oplan Tokhang, they need to ..I don’t know how they will agree on the terms on enforcing..but PDEA must be consulted and must not be deprived of its role in implementing the Dangerous Drugs Act,” Roque said.
Based on the signed order read by Roque, Duterte noted the “strides” made by PDEA when it took the helm of the drug war.
He, however, also noted that PDEA “has been seriously hampered in performing its mandate with the lack of resources,” particularly the lack of human personnel.
He also emphasized that there has been a “notable surge” in illegal drug activities, according to the order read by Roque.
“The (National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines)….and all other agencies (related to this) shall resume to provide active support to PDEA,” Duterte said through his order.
He said the PDEA shall submit monthly reports to the Office of the President on the progress of the drug war.
