NCRPO targets 41,000 new drug pushers

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is training its guns on 41,000 new drug pushers in Metro Manila, a police official said yesterday.

The NCRPO came out with a new drug watchlist following a two-day validation workshop conducted by the intelligence units of the five police districts and 38 station commanders last week, said NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde.

“We hope to account for these drug pushers in our new watchlist within the remaining days of the six-month period given by President Duterte to neutralize them,” Albayalde said in an interview.

During the first three months of the Duterte administration, the NCRPO was able to account for 11,940 drug pushers who were killed, arrested or who surrendered.

Albayalde refused to say whether barangay officials in Metro Manila provided help in coming up with the new drug watchlist.

The NCRPO is also monitoring some 164 policemen believed to be involved in extortion and recycling of shabu seized in police operations.

Albayalde said they are monitoring at least 30 entertainment celebrities who are hooked on illegal drugs.

By the end of the year, the NCRPO will start clearing operations in drug-infested barangays in Metro Manila with the help of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Anti-Illegal Drug Group.

Albayalde admitted that at least 94 percent of Metro Manila’s barangays are affected by drugs.

The move is part of the Oplan Double Barrel program of Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, according to Albayalde.

“There will be no letup until such time we can say that the drug problem in Metro Manila is down to its lowest level,” Albayalde said.

President Duterte has extended for another six months the campaign against illegal drugs.