Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday clarified to the public that President Rodrigo Duterte has not completely made up his mind if he would return the power of the Philippine National Police (PNP) over the government’s fight contra illegal drugs.
“It is safe to reveal that the President, while inclined to return it to the PNP, has not made up completely his mind,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said at a press briefing held in Davao City.
“I guess, until the document is signed by him, it remains with PDEA…I will actually seek a clarification from the President but let’s not pressure him either way,” Roque added.
Duterte earlier said in a speech during his visit to the headquarters of Special Operations Command that he eyes returning the PNP to the war zone of “Oplan Tokhang” after he removed its control to it and assigned the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as a sole agency in-charged of the drug war.
“I have not yet signed the executive order. But I am inclined to call back the police and join again in the drug war,” Duterte said Friday.
Roque said that it is the President’s prerogative if he would return the authority to the PNP or he would let Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) continue its task.
He said that he would seek clarification from the President.
“But I will actually seek clarification from the President. Let’s not pressure him, that’s a presidential prerogative,” he said.