MANILA, Philippines — Patrick Murphy, acting principal deputy assistant secretary for East Asia and the Pacific of the US Department of State, said that the struggle with illicit narcotics is a shared problem between the Philippines and the US.
During his visit to the country, Murphy on Wednesday said he learned from government officials about efforts to conduct the anti-drug campaign in accordance with the rule of law and that accusations of individuals and officials operating outside the rule of law are being investigated.
“That’s very good for us to hear. We’re encouraged to hear about those efforts,” Murphy told reporters in a press briefing.
He said the US sympathizes and understands that the Philippines has a challenge that is at national, international and the community levels.
“We want to be good partners, and as allies and friends we speak frankly and honestly. Although occasionally, each country has concerns with each other in an effort to counter narcotics here,” Murphy said.
“We very much hope and we message this hope that the Philippines will continue to conduct this campaign in accordance with the rule of law and respect for human rights,” he said.
“The Philippines has a very significant challenge,” he added.
US programs include assistance to work on rehabilitation and efforts to disrupt the international trafficking groups that bring the illicit narcotics to the Philippines.
US assistance to help with some of the challenges in the country including struggle with narcotics was discussed during the meeting of Murphy with Philippine officials.