Less than 50% of drug problem solved: Albayalde

May 31, 2018

The Philippine National Police (PNP) have solved less than 50 percent of the drug problem since President Rodrigo Duterte began his war on drugs.

PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde said Thursday his basis is the presence of street-level pushers and other criminals on the streets.

“That's just my personal perception. The way I see it, inspite of our accomplishments, there are still arrests, encounters every day," said Albayalde in a news forum in San Juan.

“If there are street pushers on the ground, it means they have sources,” he said.

At least 4,279 suspected drug pushers and users have been killed in alleged armed encounters nationwide, official reports said

A total of 143,335 other drug suspects were arrested in 99,485 law enforcement operations.

Albayalde said they are gaining ground  because of the improving peace and order situation in the country.

Albayalde believes the drug problem will be minimal when Duterte steps down in 2022.

“Most probably the problem is going to lessen that we will no longer feel it,” he said. DMS