Anti-drug war is not just Pres. Durterte’s fight, it’s ours –Cayetano

“This is our people’s war on drugs, our fight for the right of every family to a peaceful and safe community, to uphold the right of every peace-loving Filipino to be protected,” Cayetano said. (Photo: Alan Peter Cayetano/ Facebook)

MANILA –“It should now be our people’s war against drugs, not just Pres. Duterte’s drug war,” Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said Wednesday welcoming the President’s decision to resume the campaign against illicit drugs.

Cayetano, a staunch ally of Pres. Duterte, said that it is the fight of all Filipinos because it is a fight for “families’ safety, rights and values”.

“This is our people’s war on drugs, our fight for the right of every family to a peaceful and safe community, to uphold the right of every peace-loving Filipino to be protected,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano also called on the public anew to continue supporting the campaign. Noting that it will be pursued by “efficient and honest” police personnel with anti-drug operatives of the government.

He also urged local government units, agencies, and the civic, religious, and youth sectors to initiate and implement their own programs for their communities’ safety and for the rehabilitation of drug-affected families in their towns.

“We need all the help we can get to succeed in our fight. And so I also call on our people, our families and all sectors in society to help us win our war, our people’s war against drugs.”

Cayetano, meanwhile, urged “decent” law enforcers to continue to be vigilant in order to prevent rogue cops from pursuing their criminal activities.

He said the campaign is still under the supervision of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) but will be backed by smaller task forces composed of cops with no history of corruption.

The senator also thanked Pres. Duterte for reiterating his commitment to wiping out illicit drugs as it would mean fewer crimes and more peaceful communities.

On Monday, Pres. Duterte let the PNP to decide if it is ready to resume anti-drugs operations and asked the PNP chief to look for “young men with patriotic fervor to serve”.

PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa assured that the policemen involved in the new campaign against illegal drugs would be meticulously selected.

At present the PNP’s internal cleansing program is ongoing.