Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Ronald Dela Rosa (3rd from right) leads officials in the boodle fight with the troops during the 115th Police Service Anniversary in Camp Olivas, San Fernando City, Pampanga on Monday (Sept 5, 2016). The PNP chief presented awards to policemen wounded in the intensified campaign against drugs. He also warned policemen involved in illegal drugs to mend their ways as he will not tolerate it under his watch. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)lam/acd
MANILA, Sept 19 (Mabuhay) – Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said they did not ask for an extension in the campaign against illegal drugs but still thankful to President Rodrigo Duterte for the additional time.
“I did not ask for an extension. (The extension is) better so that we finish this properly. We’re thankful because we were given additional time,” Dela Rosa said Sunday night when asked on the statement of Duterte.
The President said he needs an extension of another six months on his self-imposed deadline of three to six months to solve the crime and drugs problem in the country.
Dela Rosa left the country Sunday night to go to Colombia and study how they were able to address their illegal drug problem.
The PNP chief believes the President saw the difficulties being faced by the police in the implementation of the intensified campaign against illegal drugs.
“He saw that we were having a difficult time,” Dela Rosa said.
He added that the PNP will continue with its efforts to rid the country of illegal drugs.
In a press statement, PNP spokesperson Senior Supt Dionardo Carlos said there would be no let up in the anti-illegal drugs campaign.
“We will continue this campaign on orders by our commander-in-chief and CPNP PDG Ronald Dela Rosa,” he said.
“The PNP is focused on the task of waging war on drugs, criminality and internal cleansing as ordered by the President in the given period whether its 6 months, 1 year or 6 years,” he added.
As of 6 a.m., Sept 19, a total of 1,152 drug suspects have been killed while 17,759 others have been arrested in 18,616 operations conducted.
The PNP have also visited 1,061,23 houses which resulted in the surrender of 715,393? drug suspects, of which 662,302 were users and