The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday welcomed the national government’s plan to formalize its anti-illegal drug strategy, saying the move would reinforce ongoing efforts against narcotics.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued the statement after Marikina Rep. Marcy Teodoro said an executive order formalizing the Marcos administration’s anti-drug strategy is expected later this year.

Teodoro, who defended the proposed 2027 budget of the Dangerous Drugs Board, said an enhanced version of the 2018 Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) is expected by December.

“The anti-illegal drugs campaign remains a challenging effort, it’s not an easy task. The evolving strategies and stable support system from the national government, however, serve as the guiding light towards aggressive operations anchored on the rule of law and due process,” Nartatez said.

Teodoro said the Presidential Management Staff is reviewing PADS to account for changes in the illegal drug situation.

The PNP said formalizing the strategy would provide a clearer framework for police operations as the government pursues an approach combining law enforcement, rehabilitation and other measures.

The police force said its recalibrated anti-drug campaign emphasizes adherence to operational procedures, due process and a rights-based approach.

According to PNP figures, more than P122 billion worth of illegal drugs have been seized and over 206,000 drug suspects arrested since 1 July 2022. More than 30,000 barangays have also been declared drug-cleared under the government’s campaign.

Nartatez said police would continue enforcing anti-drug laws while supporting rehabilitation efforts for people seeking to leave illegal drug activities or overcome drug dependence.

He added that police operations would remain focused on dismantling drug syndicates and pursuing key figures behind illegal drug operations, alongside operations against street-level drug dealers.