Senator Ronald Dela Rosa stated that drug cartels have resurfaced, and they are back with a fury.
Dela Rosa mentioned the arrest of a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency officer and agents found in Taguig with a kilo of marijuana during a privilege speech on Monday.
He also brought up the instance of the drug enforcement unit officer of the Philippine National Police whose arrest resulted in the seizure of shabu worth P6.7 billion in Manila.
Dela Rosa claimed that the officer was a “ninja cop” who was sent to Mindanao at the beginning of the Duterte government in 2016.
“Ako ngayon ay nagtataka bakit ito naibalik sa Metro Manila at ginawa pang intelligence officer ng PDEG-[Special Operations Unit National Capital Region] at tuluyang lumaki pa ang kanyang papel in the proliferation of illegal drugs,” Dela Rosa said.
“Indeed, drug syndicates are back and they are coming back with a vengeance,” he added.
Police officers who are involved in the illegal drug trade are known as “ninja cops.” Typically, they purport to “recycle” substances they have seized to resell on the open market.
Drug syndicates are back – Dela Rosa
Former Davao City police commander Dela Rosa was named as the Philippine National Police’s first leader on President Rodrigo Duterte’s first day in office and held the role until 2018. He led the government’s war on drugs during the majority of Duterte’s presidency.
Dela Rosa stated that he was inspired by the PNP and Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) initiatives against crime and narcotics, such as the BIDA campaign and the Buhay ay Ingatan, Droga ay Iwasan, and BIDA campaigns.
According to reports, BIDA is a more comprehensive approach that addresses both supply and demand in an effort to combat the drug problem.
“I admire and support these innovative programs, I know that with their full and proper implementation we will continue to see our country improve its law and order,” Dela Rosa said.
“When I see our men and women in uniform, I cannot help but feel proud of what we have achieved in President Duterte’s tenure but also look forward to what we can accomplish in the years to come. But while I anticipate, I admit that I also worry, Mr. President,” he added.
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