‘Drug war will be less bloody’

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa has promised a less bloody drug war after President Duterte brought the fight against illegal drugs back to the police force.

The renewed war on drugs could be named “Oplan Double Barrel Cautioned” and “Oplan Tokhang Petitioned,” Dela Rosa said in jest, referring to cases pending before the Supreme Court questioning the validity of the Oplan Tokhang campaign.

“What’s in the name? The most important is the result. You are trying to deodorize your campaign, trying to make it appear palatable to the critics, hahanapin pa rin ng butas yan. (They will still criticize you),” he added.

“That’s the least of my concern, changing the name. We are focused on the campaign, which hopefully will not be as bloody as before,” he added.