“We cannot guarantee there will be no blood in our campaign against illegal drugs”: Albayalde

April 6, 2018

There is no guarantee that the war on illegal drugs will be less bloody when National Capital Region Police Director Oscar Albayalde assumes the leadership of the 190,000 Philippine National Police (PNP) on April 18.

Speaking to reporters Friday in a video conference, the incoming PNP  chief said there are going to be casualties as long as drug suspects resist.

“We cannot guarantee there will be no blood in our campaign against illegal drugs,” said Albayalde.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) at least 4,075 drug suspects were killed in  armed encounters during law enforcement operations since President Rodrigo Duterte launched his anti-drug campaign in July 2016.

Albayalde said he will continue implementing the programs of PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa on the country's drug problem.

In a text message to reporters, Dela Rosa said he recommended Albayalde as his successor to  Duterte in “order for his government to have a continuity in the war on drugs and our internal cleansing program in the PNP.”

“Continue the fight!” Dela  Rosa said of his message to Albayalde, his classmate in the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala Class of 1986.

Albayalde said they will cooperate in the investigations of police operations by government agencies such as the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). He said he will not tolerate policemen who will commit irregularities in anti-drug operations.

He said will comply with the order of the Supreme Court to submit documents on deaths linked to the war on drugs. “That is the order of the Supreme Court so we have to comply,” he said.

As  incumbent NCR police director, Albayalde said he will submit all documents of deaths in drug-related  operations in Metro Manila.

Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, the PNP spokesman, earlier said they will consult first with the Office of the Solicitor General.

Despite allegations of irregularities, Albayalde said the anti-drug campaign has been successful. He cited Oplan Tokhang which 1.3 million drug pushers and users have surrendered.

“We will continue with Oplan Tokhang because of good results brought by this program,” he said. DMS