PNP chief advocates for ‘bloodless’ drug war as more effective strategy

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Is the government’s “bloodless” war on illegal drugs producing better outcomes?

According to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr., the answer is affirmative.

With a transition from the more aggressive anti-drug campaign of the Duterte presidency, the current administration has adopted a slightly different approach.

During his visit to Iloilo City on February 19 to oversee the command turnover ceremony at the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6, Acorda was questioned about the nation’s stance on the illegal drug situation in the context of the Oplan Tokhang era and the PNP’s current anti-drug campaign strategy.

Acorda noted that operational accomplishments in tackling illegal drugs are aligned with prevention, rehabilitation, and enforcement efforts.

He chose not to quantify the illegal drug situation but instead discussed it in the context of peace and order.

“No less than the foreign survey declared that the country is the third safest country to visit. That’s a significant achievement,” he said.

Acorda was likely referencing the 2023 Global Law and Order Report by the Washington-based analytics and advisory firm, GALLUP, which ranked the Philippines as the third safest country in Southeast Asia with an index score of 86, following Vietnam at 92 and Indonesia at 90.

“This means that our efforts are being felt. We know very well that much of criminality, especially street crimes, is connected to drugs,” he stated.

For Acorda, the favorable report is an indication that the PNP’s efforts in the anti-drug campaign are succeeding.