THE DEPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday echoed President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s recent pronouncement that illegal drugs in the country cannot be phased out.

“I said, America as America…it cannot even control drugs. How much more for us?… If others cannot, do you think we can?,” said Mr. Duterte on Friday after waging an all-out campaign against the narcotics trade since he took office in July last year.

DILG Officer-in-Charge Catalino S. Cuy, for his part, said in a press briefing yesterday: “I think the President saw that until now, there are still [drug activities]. This will really be a serious campaign.”

“We notice that the drug personalities tend to lie low for a while, then if you slack off, they will once again continue. So this will really be a challenge for law enforcers,” he added.

Mr. Cuy also confirmed that there are numerous mayors who are included in Mr. Duterte’s latest ‘narco-list’ of politicians who are allegedly involved in the drug trade.

The administration’s drug war has been flagged by local and international human rights groups for the related killings carried out by police as well as suspected vigilante groups.

Mr. Cuy assured that all reports received by the DILG concerning police personnel are being acted upon.

Mr. Duterte has repeatedly assured police officers that he will support and protect them against charges that may arise from the implementation of the anti- drug campaign.

ILLEGAL GAMBLING
Similar to illegal drugs, Mr. Cuy said that illegal gambling would also be difficult to control and wipe out.

Police Director-General Ronald M. dela Rosa said last July 31 that he wants illegal gambling phased out in the entire country, particularly in Luzon, within 15 days.

“It is [difficult] because it (illegal gambling) seems to be a part of our culture already. We need a whole-of-nation approach for that,” he said. — Jil Danielle M. Caro

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR