THE Philippine National Police (PNP) plans to procure drones in 2025 to enhance its operations against illegal drugs.
PNP Public Information head BGen. Jean Fajardo said the acquisition of unmanned aircraft was suggested by PNP chief Rommel Francisco Marbil to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a command conference in Camp Crame.
Fajardo said the PNP came up with the plan after drones were used in spotting floating illegal drugs in the waters off Northern Luzon.
Fajardo said provincial governors had asked the PNP to step up its maritime patrols in coastal waters in their jurisdiction to help intercept illegal drugs.
She said drones are a cheaper way to guard the entry of illegal drugs than patrol boats because they are not fueled by gasoline or diesel.
Fajardo said the PNP will eventually be augmented by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Navy in monitoring the coastal waters.
Marbil also cited the success of the PNP’s recalibrated and bloodless anti-illegal drugs campaign, which led to the seizure of ₱20.7 billion worth of illegal drugs this year, 101 percent higher than the 2023 figure.
He said 46,821 anti-drug operations were conducted by PNP units nationwide, leading to the arrest of 57,129 individuals.
The campaign’s emphasis on high-value individuals while ensuring the protection of human rights and due process resulted in the confiscation of over 8 metric tons of illegal drugs, nearly 2 metric tons more than in 2023.
The drugs included methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, and ketamine.
“This extraordinary achievement is a testament to our focused operations against high-value individuals in the illegal drug trade. Our commitment to a calibrated anti-drug campaign, which puts a premium on human rights, has proven that we can dismantle drug syndicates without unnecessary loss of life,” said Marbil.
Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) recorded the highest haul with P9.9 billion, followed by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group with P2.4 billion.
“This accomplishment is not just a victory for the PNP but for the Filipino people who deserve safer and drug-free communities. Let this achievement inspire us to continue working together in our fight against illegal drugs,” Marbil said.
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