War on drugs back on track

THE decision of President Duterte to finally restore the role of the Philippine National Police in the current war on drugs in tandem with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency can only be viewed as imperative as it is essential.

What perhaps needs clarification is, who takes the lead: PDEA or PNP?

We maintain the PDEA should continue to take the lead because the control of illegal drugs is its primary mandate while drugs for PNP is only one among its target concerns in its peace and order duties.

PDEA has the network and primary intelligence to keep itself in constant war footing against drug lords, syndicates and financiers while the PNP has the intelligence network from the barangay to the provincial level.

However, this partnership can only continue to be effective with the continued support of local government leaders, from the barangay kapitan to the mayor and governor.  It is public knowledge that nothing, whether legal or illegal, gets past them or should at least not get past them. It is they from whom official protection extended to drug syndicates originates.

With the organizations in place, new policy directions and tactical operations should be defined by PDEA for its implementation with PNP and LGUs, taking note of concerns about human rights violations.

Finally, our communities can be optimistic again that the drug syndicates and the peddling networks can no longer operate with impunity.

 

Cell phone upgrade

CELL PHONE users have a reason to celebrate.  That’s because President Duterte has just ordered that a third telephone company be allowed to open business in the country.  Presently, we only have a duopoly—Globe and Smart—servicing the entire archipelago.  Although they are rivals, each has not actually established a significant advantage, service-wise, over the other.  Even in major cities around the country, dead spots abound.  Meaning, cell phone calls are usually cut for no apparent reason at all.  In areas where there are few subscribers, service is even worse to the detriment of loyal clientele.  China seems to have the inside track and is looking for Filipino businessmen to partner with.

Mr. Duterte’s move is a sure boon as wireless connection inclusively and to the outside world will help spur economic growth all the more.  Indeed, more players will ensure better telephone service arising from competition.

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