PNP chief: No need for new war on drugs

MANILA, Philippines — Newly installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil sees no need to declare a war on drugs for the country to achieve drug-free status.

Speaking at his first press conference yesterday as the country’s top cop, Marbil said the term drug war is not necessary as eradicating illegal drugs is part of the functions of law enforcers.

“There is no need for a drug war. That is part of our job – to stamp out drugs. Hindi lang po ako ang chief PNP na nagsabi niyan,” Marbil told reporters, stressing he’s not the only police chief to state that fact.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte had declared an all-out war on drugs, which became the flagship program of his administration.

Duterte’s bloody campaign against drugs resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 suspects during alleged shootouts with police.

For Marbil, he prefers not to use the term drug war in the anti-narcotics campaign to achieve drug-free communities.

“I don’t want to say there is a drug war. Parang giyera na naman kami. This is the requirement, ito yung dapat ma-solve mo. We go for 100 percent drug less community,” he said.

Asked how he would approach the drug problem in his tenure, Marbil said police officers must always follow the rule of law.

“I need accountability and transparency on the part of the policemen,” Marbil said.

Addressing illegal drugs should be based on parameters covering every region in the country, Marbil said, stressing that gone are the days when police regional offices are required to meet general targets such as numbers of drug suspects that should be arrested for a certain period.

Marbil said the situation in one region should not be compared with other areas.

“This is not a contest of who gets the most number of arrests. Sige magparamihan tayo ng huli, but you don’t solve the problem, right?” he said.

Meanwhile, Davao police director Brig. Gen. Alden Delvo has ordered police commanders in Davao City to submit evidence that would show the armed encounters, which led to the death of drug suspects in less than a week, are legitimate.

Eight police officers were relieved from their posts in connection with the drug-related deaths after Mayor Sebastian Duterte declared a war on drugs in Davao City.

“Very unusual if every operation nanlaban ‘yung suspect, but it is not impossible. That is why we are investigating it,” Delvo said.

Cell phones banned

Marbil barred police officers on beat patrol from using their cell phones while on duty.

He made the statement when asked about the crime prevention strategies he will implement under his leadership.

“This is my first and last warning. No cell phone during duty. If you are caught using your cell phone, there will be no forgiveness. I am very strict on that,” he said.

Marbil held a command conference and laid out his programs for the PNP.

He said police personnel, especially those on beat patrol, should not have distractions.

Marbil clarified that police are allowed to use their cell phones as part of their official functions, including using the gadgets to communicate with other police officers.

“The situation is different if police officers are using mobile phones to check their Facebook and watching videos,” he said.

Instead of cell phones, Marbil said police can use their handheld radios in communicating with their colleagues.

Marbil also wants flag-raising rites held every Monday shortened, noting that police officers should be at their work stations by 8 a.m. to address the needs of the people.

He is also not inclined to implement a revamp in the early stages of his term, stressing that it will not benefit the PNP to transfer police officials to other key positions.

AI vs crime

Saying that artificial intelligence (AI) is the future against crimes, the PNP has embarked on a five-year development plan in using new technologies in crime prevention and solution.

Marbil said using AI tools is among the programs he intends to implement in the PNP.

“Instead of buying old school equipment, we will be investing more on AI technology,” he said.

He said the initiative is necessary as he noted that AI can be used in crime prevention and crime solution.

“It’s quite expensive, but AI will be useful in the long run,” he said.

Marbil said he plans to strengthen the capabilities of the police Anti-Cybercrime Group to make the unit more effective in running after cybercriminals.