Año tells drug groups easing quarantine means tighter war on drugs

June 2, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday warned drug syndicates that easing  quarantine measures means tightening the government’s battle against illegal drugs.

“While we ease our quarantine levels, our campaign against illegal drugs tightens,” Año said.

“The DILG and the PNP will see to it that the momentum and gains in the anti-illegal drugs campaign will be sustained to protect our citizenry from the menace of illegal drugs,” he assured.

Año made the statement after Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairperson of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, alerted the PNP about the possible resumption of illegal drug operations with the implementation of GCQ in National Capital Region (NCR) and other localities.

Año said the implementation of the quarantine paralyzed drug syndicates.

He added they received reports some illegal drug users have withdrawn from using illegal drugs due to lack of supply during the quarantine.

“We hope that the people will stop from using illegal drugs. On how we take care of ourselves to prevent from being infected by COVID-19, that’s how we should stop using illegal drugs so that you will be totally drug-free,” Año said.

He ordered the PNP to quell the illicit drug trade at all stages of the supply chain, from production of raw materials to distribution on the street.

“The DILG and PNP (Philippine National Police) will work double time in maintaining the drop of the crime rate in the country that was achieved during the stricter quarantine period,” Año said.

While Año lauded the improved peace and order situation amid the quarantine time with a notable absence of looting incidences, he said he has directed the PNP to keep its guard up and maintain the drop of eight focused crimes of murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, car theft, and motorcycle theft.

The PNP has recorded 60 percent decrease in crime rate in the country since the start of quarantine period last March 17.  Ella Dionisio/DMS