Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 18) — The next administration should continue the Duterte government’s war against illegal drugs as it has reduced crimes and has increased investments in the country, an official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government said.
“Gusto nating maipagpatuloy sana ng susunod na administrasyon iyong ating war on drugs,” Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said in a media briefing on Tuesday.
[Translation: We want the next administration to continue our war on drugs.]
“We’re down 50% compared to the crime statistics at the end of the previous administration…Dahil po mababa iyong crime rate ay marami pong pumasok na mamumuhunan sa Pilipinas dahil maganda ang peace and order. Sana po ay maipagpatuloy ito,” he added.
[Translation: Because of the low crime rate, more investors came to the Philippines because of the peace and order. We hope this will be continued.]
Densing also said he hopes the next administration will start implementing the program in the National Capital Region. Incoming Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos will also be briefed regarding the matter.
Thousands were killed in the war on drugs. In April, President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that he was wrong to think that he could end the illegal drug trade in the country in three to six months, one of his campaign promises in 2016 elections.
“When I became president, ganito sabi ko (this is what I said), ‘I can clean it in six months.’ And after that, I realized, nagkamali talaga ako (I was really wrong),” Duterte said.
He also admitted that rich drug users are difficult to track as they live in mansions secured by guards and even provide drugs to policemen.
“Maybe it was campaign time. Payabangan na naman ng kampanya. Pagdating ko sa Maynila, dala ko ‘yung chief of police ko, si Bato (Dela Rosa)…Nung binuksan ko na ‘yung records…six generals of the Philippine National Police were playing with drugs. Sabi ko, paano tayo mabubuhay nito?” Duterte said.
READ: Duterte on his 3-6 months drug war deadline: ‘I was really wrong
The International Criminal Court authorized a probe into the bloody campaign, but it was suspended following the request of the Philippine government in November.
READ: Drug War 2021: The wait continues
Leading vice presidential bet Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte in February said she will continue her father’s fight against illegal drugs if she wins the election, but she noted it will be done in different way by ensuring fair enforcement of the law.
Sara and her running mate, leading presidential bet Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., also said the war on drugs shall be pursued and won through “love.”
