PH Conveys Steadfast Commitment to Fight the Illegal Drug Problem
Secretary Dionisio R. Santiago, Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board, delivers the Philippine statement on International Drug Control
10 October 2017 NEW YORK – Speaking at the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on Agenda Item 109 on International Drug Control at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Dangerous Drugs Board Secretary Dionisio R. Santiago highlighted the Philippines’ intensified efforts in addressing the drug problem as one of the top priorities of the government. He cited that supply reduction efforts have resulted in 76,000 anti-drug operations, nearly 114,000 drug personalities arrested, and 2,500 kilos of shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride seized from July 2016 to September 2017.
He added that the government’s programs include initiatives for the youth, vulnerable groups, and high-risk populations, which focus more on communities and building individual capacity.
The Philippines aims to assist drug dependents by implementing community-based interventions such as sustainable treatment and rehabilitation programs that will ensure them to live a drug-free life and lead a positive change.
Secretary Santiago underscored that the Philippines’ efforts in resolving the drug menace adheres to the rule of law and existing international policies in ensuring the protection and full respect of human rights. END
Statement delivered by
Secretary Dionisio Santiago
Chairman
Dangerous Drugs Board
on
Agenda Item 109: International drug control
of the Third Committee
72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Headquarters, New York, 04 October 2017
Mr. Chair,
Addressing the drug problem is among the top priorities of the Philippine government. Under the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the anti-drug campaign has been enhanced and strengthened through the collaboration of national government agencies as well as the support of non-government organizations, faith-based groups and the private sector.
Within their respective mandates, agencies of the government have been contributing to the realization of a drug-free Philippines through the implementation of strategies and programs based on a holistic and comprehensive five-pillar approach.
The supply reduction efforts led by our country’s law enforcement units have resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs, arrest of drug perpetrators and dismantling of clandestine laboratories at an all-time high. From July 2016 to September 2017, more than 76,000 anti-drug operations have been conducted resulting in the arrest of nearly 114,000 drug personalities and seizure of 2,500 kilos of shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride.
Our intensified efforts in drug demand reduction, on the other hand, has prodded us to focus on programs that involve communities and build individual capacities. These programs include initiatives for the youth, vulnerable groups, and high-risk populations. To ensure that these programs are sustained, partnership and cooperation with different sectors of the Philippine society such as the academe, labor force, faith-based groups, and non-government organizations are fostered.
As a response to the recent unprecedented number of drug dependents who have voluntarily surrendered to authorities, the Dangerous Drugs Board has developed Guidelines on Community-Based Interventions for implementation through local anti-drug abuse councils, in collaboration with the Departments of Health, and Interior and Local Government. We have also reached out to the private sector and our international partners in the construction of additional in-patient rehabilitation facilities all over the country to serve the people’s needs.
Through sustainable treatment and rehabilitation programs, we aim to assist drug dependents to live a drug-free life and to transform them into productive members of the community.
Recognizing the important contribution of civil society as a partner in the fight against illicit drugs, our government agencies work with their representatives in the development and implementation of prevention, intervention and rehabilitation programs.
Information dissemination efforts and advocacy campaigns are also strengthened through the utilization of technology and the social media. The Philippines continues to put individuals at the heart of the anti-drug abuse campaign and transform them as catalysts to start advancing positive value formation in their circles. We believe that every Filipino must take a stand against the drug menace.
On alternative development, the Philippines is working on expanding its programs to go beyond addressing illicit crop cultivation to include the provision of livelihood opportunities for those in the urban areas.
The pervasiveness of the drug problem cannot be denied. Our supreme goal is to ensure that our people, especially the young, live in communities that are safe and free from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.
The government understands the importance of waging its campaign against drugs in a manner that does not undermine the legitimacy and integrity of the campaign itself. As a matter of practice, all law enforcers are held to abide by established procedures. Human rights enforcers ensure that operational protocols are aligned with the law and existing international practices.
The Philippines’ efforts reflect our fierce commitment to the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty and property and promotion of the general welfare and is guided by our State policy enshrined in the Constitution that protects the dignity of every human being and guarantees full respect for human rights.
We are firm in our resolve to combat the scourge of drugs and in our duty to protect our citizens from drug abuse and its ill effects. While we spare no effort in addressing the drug menace, we also stand firm in our adherence and strict observance of the rule of law and to the country’s obligations under existing human rights treaties.
Thank you.