New PNP chief vows to sustain war on drugs

MANILA, Philippines — Newly installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin yesterday vowed to sustain the war on illegal drugs, which has killed over 6,000 drug suspects in law enforcement operations.

Azurin, who formally assumed command of the 227,000-strong police force, said the anti-drug campaign would continue to be relentless.

“I emphasize that our war on drugs shall be relentlessly continued regardless of who gets hurt and who gets caught,” he said in his speech during the assumption of office ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The war on drugs, started by former president Rodrigo Duterte, has resulted in the deaths of at least 6,252 drug suspects in alleged shootouts with lawmen since July 2016.

Azurin ordered an audit of the drug situation in the country, focusing on areas where drug personalities were killed.

Under his leadership, the PNP will also partner with other government agencies to ensure that the supply chain of illegal drugs will be reduced if not cut.

He said they would also intensify their coordination with barangay officials to ensure that drug users are rehabilitated, which is an effective measure to reduce the demand for prohibited drugs.