Drug War Strategy Works Without Killing Anyone, Remulla Claims
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confidently asserted that the current drug war strategy under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “works without killing anyone.” This four-word keyphrase encapsulates the administration’s approach as they push forward with their anti-drug campaign.
During his recent speech following the State of the Nation Address, Remulla emphasized that the government can win the drug war without resorting to lethal means. “The drug war is working without killing anyone. People don’t need to be killed to win the drug war,” he stated firmly at a forum in San Juan City.
Shifting Away from Past Methods
Reflecting on the previous administration, Remulla criticized a controversial rewards system that, according to him, distorted law enforcement priorities. He highlighted how some agencies reportedly manipulated operations by submitting only parts of seized drugs while storing the remainder, effectively gaming the system.
“That was what broke the culture of law enforcement agencies because they made confiscating drugs rewards-based,” Remulla explained, pointing to the pitfalls of such incentives.
Human rights groups have long condemned the past drug war for its high death toll, estimating between 12,000 and 30,000 fatalities. Meanwhile, reports surfaced during a congressional investigation that officers were financially rewarded for killing suspects, an allegation linked to the prior administration’s tactics.
Enhanced Strategy Focuses on Human Rights
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently reported that from July 2022 to June 2025, authorities confiscated drugs valued at nearly P83 billion. PDEA Director-General Isagani Nerez credited this accomplishment to an “enhanced” anti-drug approach that prioritizes human rights.
Compared to the first three years of the previous administration, government agencies arrested more high-value drug targets—9,686 versus 7,054—underscoring the shift in focus and methods.
Despite these improvements, independent groups such as the University of the Philippines’ Dahas Project have documented at least 1,022 drug-related killings since Marcos took office in 2022, indicating ongoing challenges.
Declining Demand and Supply
Remulla also highlighted a significant drop in both drug supply and demand. The usual annual methamphetamine consumption in the Philippines is estimated at 16 tons. However, only six tons were seized in the last eight months, signaling a tightening grip on the drug trade.
Moreover, the street value of methamphetamine has risen by 35 percent, reaching P6,800 per gram. “What does that mean? The supply was curtailed. The demand is also going down and the prices are going up just right,” Remulla explained.
These developments suggest that the current drug war strategy works without killing anyone, focusing on effective enforcement and respect for human rights.
For more news and updates on drug enforcement efforts, visit Filipinokami.com.
