Drug killings 95 percent lower than in previous admin

MANILA, Philippines — The number of deaths recorded under the Marcos administration’s war on drugs has decreased by over 95 percent, in contrast to the bloody anti-drug campaign of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.

Data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) showed that 195 drug suspects were killed in alleged gunfights with anti-narcotics agents from July 1, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2023.

The figure is way below the 3,968 suspected drug pushers and users killed during the same period under the administration of Duterte, for a decrease of 95.08 percent.

There were also fewer drug suspects arrested, from 119,058 to 75,880, for a drop of 36.26 percent.

The PDEA attributed the decrease in drug deaths to a pivotal shift, from a “harsh approach at the time of Duterte’s drug war to the present campaign where heightened attention on the conduct of intelligence-based anti-narcotics operations is given much emphasis.”

The PDEA said the use of non-violent methods in arresting drug suspects led to a significant drop in deaths.

“Drawing lessons from the past on how destructive the drug war can be if it is carried out by lethal force, the Marcos government opted to adopt a more humane approach to solve the drug problem,” the PDEA said in a statement.

PDEA records, however, showed that illegal drugs seized under the Marcos administration increased to P31.07 billion from P19.22 billion, higher by 61.65 percent.

The PDEA said the confiscation of 4,212.68 kilos of shabu was higher by 62.43 percent compared to the 2,593.48 kilos of shabu seized during Duterte’s first 18 months as president.

More clandestine laboratories and drug dens were also dismantled, from 210 to 821.

The PDEA said 142 stings were conducted to destroy marijuana plantation sites, which is higher by 273.68 percent.

The PDEA said these substantial gains are a testament to the government’s determination to pursue high-value drug traffickers and organized crime networks involved in drugs, while at the same time adhering to the rule of law, respect for life, dignity and human rights.

Destabilization alert

Meanwhile, the next head of the Philippine National Police should be on the lookout for rumors of a destabilization effort against the Marcos administration, outgoing PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said on Monday.

Acorda said destabilization rumors, which have cropped up during his term, were not established, but whoever succeeds him should not keep his guard down.

There have been rumors of a plot to oust Marcos by disgruntled former military and police officers.

Acorda has filed cybercrime complaints against retired military officer Johnny Macanas for allegedly using his photograph in a vlog about an alleged ouster plot against Marcos.

The PNP has been rehearsing for the change of command ceremony and retirement honors for Acorda, which is scheduled today at Camp Crame.

The PNP has also proposed April 1 as another date for the event.

Acorda was supposed to retire on Dec. 3, 2023 when he turned 56, but Marcos extended his term until March 31.