PHL-US Counternarcotics Cooperation Puts Emphasis on Drug Demand Reduction

Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano and U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim sign the 5th Amendment to the PHL-US Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement. Department of Foreign Affairs, 8 September 2017.

08 September 2017 — Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and US Ambassador Sung Kim signed the fifth amendment to the 2011 Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement between the Philippines and the United States of America.

While previous amendments were used to fund programs on law enforcement and rule of law, the fifth amendment will focus on drug demand reduction projects. The US Government will provide USD 2 Million to improve the Philippines’ capacity to conduct awareness, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation activities that would curtail the market for illicit drugs.

“Winning the fight against illicit drugs is the top priority of President Duterte. As the drug problem in the country is pervasive and well-entrenched, we recognize the importance of working together and working comprehensively, including with our longstanding partners like the US, to ensure that illegal drugs cease to become an attractive option to our people especially our youth,” Secretary Cayetano said.

“This agreement reflects the depth of cooperation between the Philippines and the US,” Ambassador Kim said. “We share the concern of President Duterte about drugs. It is a real menace.”

In 2011, the Philippines and the US signed the first Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, which allows the US to provide funds to support programs and projects aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities and supporting justice sector reforms. END

Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano and U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim shake hands at the conclusion of the signing of the 5th Amendment to the PHL-US Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement. Department of Foreign Affairs, 8 September 2017.