16-4-2024 (MANILA) In a resounding affirmation of his government’s commitment to a humane and non-violent approach to combating the illicit drug trade, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has hailed the recent record-breaking drug seizure in Batangas province as a shining example of how such operations can be conducted without resorting to lethal force.
During a briefing on Tuesday (April 16), following his inspection of the confiscated shabu (crystal meth) in the town of Alitagtag, Marcos underscored the significance of the operation, which he described as the largest-ever drug bust in the nation’s history. The President revealed that the estimated weight of the contraband seized was a staggering 1.8 tonnes.
“I would like also to point out that this is the biggest shipment of shabu, but not one person died,” Marcos emphasized, highlighting the stark contrast between this successful interdiction and the often-criticized violent tactics employed during the previous administration’s infamous drug war.
Marcos believes that this operation serves as a blueprint for the approach his government intends to adopt in the fight against the narcotics trade – one that prioritizes eradicating the entry of illegal drugs into the country while upholding the sanctity of human life and the rule of law.
Initial reports from law enforcement authorities indicate that the massive haul of crystal meth was discovered loaded into a passenger van that was flagged down during a routine checkpoint at Barangay Pinagkurusan on Monday. Investigators revealed that the Parañaque City-bound vehicle originated from Sta. Teresita town in Batangas and was en route to Lipa City when authorities intervened, ultimately leading to the seizure of the illicit cargo.
Marcos has consistently maintained that his administration’s stance on the drug war will deviate from the controversial and bloody campaign spearheaded by his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte. During his first official visit to the United States in September 2022, the President stated that the Philippines was adopting a “slightly different” approach to the drug war, signaling a shift towards a more humane and lawful strategy.
This assertion was further reinforced in May 2023, when Marcos acknowledged that there had been several instances of abuse committed by law enforcement officials during Duterte’s tenure, underscoring the need for a reformed and accountable approach to the anti-narcotics campaign.
As the Philippines grapples with the complex challenges posed by the illicit drug trade, the President’s emphasis on a non-violent and lawful strategy has been welcomed by human rights advocates and observers both within the country and abroad. The successful interdiction in Batangas serves as a tangible example of how such operations can be conducted effectively without compromising the fundamental principles of human rights and due process.
