Police operations now humane, bloodless - Marcos

Police operations are now as "humane, truthful and bloodless" as possible, President Marcos said yesterday, as he heaped praises on Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.

-  ALEXIS ROMERO

In a speech during the 123rd anniversary of the police service at Camp Crame, Marcos said the achievements of the PNP were made possible because of its "resolve to uphold the rule of law" and the "unparalleled dedication and service" of police officers led by Marbil.

He highlighted what he described as "effective" but "lawful" efforts against illegal activities.

"Our crackdown on illegal drugs, smuggling, illegal gambling, private armed groups, human trafficking and criminality has also strengthened significantly in ways that are not only effective but legal and lawful," the President said.

"Indeed, police operations are now conducted as humane, as truthful and as bloodless as possible," he added.

In a previous speech, Marcos said his crackdown on drugs involves rehabilitation, reintegration and preventive education programs since enforcement "only gets you so far." During his third State of the Nation Address last month, Marcos said more than P44 billion worth of illegal drugs have been seized and 97,000 drug personalities have been arrested under his "bloodless war" on dangerous drugs, highlighting that the accomplishments were achieved without resorting to "extermination."