A New Chapter in the Philippines’ Drug War
From Bloodshed to Rehab
The Philippine National Police’s new chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, gave a reassuring speech on Monday, aiming to shift the country’s hard‑knock drug crackdown into something more “bloodless.”
The goal? Minimize killings while boosting rehabilitation and education instead of resorting to brute force.
A “Bloodless” Strategy
Azurin said law enforcers will only use lethal force when absolutely necessary for their own safety.
The infamous Tokhang tactic—visiting suspects’ houses and demanding surrender—will be toned down, according to the chief.
Instead of violent confrontations, the police will focus on social interventions and health programs.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
A review of the previous administration’s policies is underway to determine if they still fit the current needs.
The new strategy will fine‑tune the way suspects are engaged, giving people a chance to surrender without fear of sudden execution.
Numbers Speak Volumes
| Metric | Stats |
|---|---|
| Killed under Duterte (2016‑2022) | 6,200 |
| Killed so far under Marcos Jr. (Nov 2023) | 46 |
| Anti‑drug ops since Marcos Jr. began | 18,000 |
| Arrests & seizures | 22,000 arrests and 9.7 billion pesos of drugs confiscated |
The Big Picture
Activists have long claimed that victims often didn’t have a chance to surrender during Tokhang operations, while police maintain they were killed after resisting arrest.
Despite a softer domestic stance, President Marcos Jr. has distanced the Philippines from the International Criminal Court—an outcome that left many human‑rights advocates rattled.
The police are stepping away from the hard‑hit, “sweep” approach that defined the prior era. They’re pivoting toward a more compassionate, but still firm, strategy that leans on education, rehab, and modern policing tactics—hopefully turning a tragic legacy into a less bloody, more humane era.
