Incoming PNP chief Cascolan to intensify anti-drug campaign

September 2, 2020

With  a two-month stint as as incoming chief of the Philippine National Police, Lt. General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan on Wednesday said he will intensify the anti-illegal drug campaign of the administration and have more policemen going around barangays to see if people are following health protocols to combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

On Tuesday night, Duterte appointed the Baguio-born Cascolan as the 24th chief of the PNP.

Cascolan also belongs to Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sinagtala 1986 just like the three previous PNP chiefs under the Duterte administration. He will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on November 10.

In a radio interview, Cascolan said he has long-term plans for the PNP and he is happy to serve the people even just for two months.

“I also have long term plans but basically I would just want to continue the service I have given this country ever since I was appointed as an officer. I am happy to give my service (as PNP chief) even just for two months,” he said.

“We will further intensify our anti-drug campaign. We will make sure that the high value individuals will be arrested and case build up should not be only for small time pushers… We need the cooperation of the people for us to arrest these high value individuals. This will be the focus of the anti-drug campaign,” he said.

Cascolan, who designed the anti-drug strategy Oplan Double Barrel, said their anti-illegal drug campaign will be evaluated from time to time.

“We will try to enhance our anti-drug war so that we would be able to arrest more high value individuals,” he said.

As to their COVID-19 response, Cascolan said they will enhance and improve their protocols.

He said police officers are going around to check if people are following the health protocols set by the government through the creation of the Barangay Enforcement Team.

“We should see our policemen going around barangays to see if people are following the protocols… We also have red teaming which look after our cops to see also if what they are doing is right,” Cascolan said.

“We need to enhance and improve more… We are trying to implement the enhanced managing police operations. Everybody should know what to do and how to do it,” he added.

Cascolan hopes his leadership can provide the protection and security the public needed.

He said he will also check the morale and welfare of all police personnel.

“I will give the transition or I will pave the way for a better PNP and hoping that I would be able to improve all the services for this country,” he said.

Cascolan thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for giving him a chance to lead the PNP.

“I know it’s hard to give trust especially that this is a very sensitive position that’s why I’m very thankful to President Rodrigo Duterte for the trust and confidence he has given me,” he said. Ella Dionisio/ DMS