Comprehensive ‘database’ to boost drug war under next admin: PNP

FILE: PHP 1.088 Billion Pesos worth of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or Shabu, weighing approximately 160 kilograms was seized in a Buy-Bust Operation conducted on March 8, 2022 at around 3:30PM in Brgy. Karuhatan, Valenzuela City (Photo: PDEA Top Stories/Facebook)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it hopes to finally contain the country’s illegal drug problem under the administration of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. through the use of a comprehensive database.

In a statement, PNP director for operations Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon said the database known as the PNP Drug-Related Data Integration Generation System (DRDIGS) is continuously being enhanced by different police offices.

“We always hope for the best. Gusto namin mawala na talaga ito kaya yung aming strategy, yong supply and demand reduction efforts ay pinaigting pa (We want this drug problem to end so this is our strategy. We are intensifying our efforts geared toward supply and demand reduction efforts),” de Leon said.

The DRDIGS serves as a digital library of all the information, intelligence reports, and other necessary details of the PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs across the country.

Once fully operational, the PNP can effectively manage operational accomplishments by storing, controlling, and handling data and providing quick, efficient, real-time reports and statistics.

The database also contains information on the government’s intervention programs for the rehabilitation of those who became addicted to illegal drugs and for their reintegration into their respective communities.

The goal is to maximize the needed intervention of the government and various stakeholders to cut the demand by educating the usual victims of drug addiction while conducting relentless operations against illegal drug syndicates and their sellers to effectively cut the supply side.

De Leon attributed the significant gains of the country against illegal drugs to outgoing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who stood his ground in the relentless campaign against the drug menace in the country.

“We really have to render our salute to the outgoing President, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his invaluable support, logistically, moral and everything para labanan itong salot ng lipunan kaya ang status nito has gone down to a manageable situation (to fight this societal menace. This is why is the status of the illegal drug problem has gone down to a manageable situation),” he said.

He said the immediate impact was felt by the Filipino people through a significant reduction in crime volume and a feeling of security when they go out on the streets and the community after drug users and pushers, who used to terrorize the communities, were driven out of the streets.

De Leon expressed confidence that the same level of support system would be provided by Marcos.

“We are lucky that as early as last week, President-elect Bongbong Marcos already gave a statement that he will continue the effort against drugs to ensure that our future generations are protected including those law-abiding citizens,” he said.