Average of 14 persons killed daily in anti-drug operations: gov’t

September 26, 2018

An average of 14 persons a day were killed in law enforcement operations in August last month, according to data released by the government Wednesday.

A report by  #RealNumbersPH Year 2 showed  a total of 4,854 drug suspects were killed in alleged encounters with law enforcement authorities since President  Rodrigo Dutete launched a crackdown on illegal drugs when he assumed office in July 2016.

The number of fatalities rose by 444 compared to the previous report  in July 31 where 4,410 drug suspects were killed.

The number of suspected drug personalities arrested in 108,059 operations is at 155,193, higher by 3,070 from the previous month. Of the number, 247 are elected government officials, 271 are government officials and 58 belong to the uniformed service.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Senior Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr. said “there are still a lot of things to do when crime syndicates are continuously innovating.”

“As to when we can totally rid, attain a drug-free Philippines, we do not know. I think that's a realistic assessment,” said Durana.

A total of 12 shabu laboratories and 223 drug dens have been dismantled, according to the report. The government has seized P24.12 billion worth of narcotics, including P17.39 billion worth of shabu.

Also, 8,444 of the 42,026 barangays were declared free from illegal drugs.

Durana said 105 lawmen, including 89 from the PNP, have been dismissed.

A total of 279 other law enforcers were also sacked after they tested positive for drug use.  DMS