Close to 60,000 drug dependents nationwide have surrendered since the Duterte administration began its intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

“We have to seize the momentum,” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar.

“The voluntary surrender of thousands of self-confessed users and pushers reaffirms our people’s renewed faith and trust in authorities. In his resolute campaign against drugs, the President has even made it possible to unite the populace in combatting the illegal drug trade,” Andanar added.

He said President Duterte’s uncompromising stance towards drug lords has resulted in very positive responses, and yet reiterates the police operational protocol.

“Government is against any form of extra judicial killings. We do not condone these acts. Government is here to save our people from the drug menace and punish the offenders, including the big-time ones. The PNP continues to investigate situations involving vigilante killings and operational aspects where deaths are reported,” Andanar pointed out.

“While the campaign against drugs is far from perfect, a generation of Filipinos have been saved from this scourge of society and destroyer of lives. Many communities are now relatively drug-free with record-high number of people giving up to authorities, choosing quieter and healthier lives,” Andanar added.

At present, plans to build rehabilitation centers nationwide are being undertaken. In Central Luzon, police authorities are eyeing Subic and Clark to house drug-dependents. PND