PNP, VP Leni to discuss ‘PH anti-drug strategy’

FILE: Robredo held her first meeting with ICAD member agencies at her office in New Manila, Quezon City on Friday afternoon, two days after she accepted President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s challenge to lead the anti-narcotics campaign by serving as co-chair of the anti-drug body. (Photo: VP Leni Robredo/Facebook)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to discuss details of the Philippine Anti-Drug Strategy (PADS) with Vice President Leni Robredo.

PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, said on Wednesday he would meet Robredo on Thursday (Nov. 14) to discuss law enforcement cluster of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).

Gamboa said PADS is under the supervision and monitoring of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) as the policy-making body of the anti-drug campaign.

“Makapal yun [It is thick], it just did not come from thin air. This has been studied; this has been thoroughly researched kaya nag come up sila ng ganung strategy [that’s why they came up with a new strategy]. I don’t want to preempt anything there…but I have things in mind to tell her tomorrow,” Gamboa added.

In her first meeting as co-chairperson of the ICAD, Robredo vowed to talk to the law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the PNP to be informed on what is happening on the ground.

Earlier, Gamboa vowed to fully support Robredo particularly in briefing her about the law enforcement aspect of the anti-drug drive.

He also said the PNP is ready for any possible changes in the drug war after Robredo sought its re-assessment.

He, however, said there is no need for the country’s second top official to join anti-illegal drug operations.