(Camp Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City) Facing the police force here for the first time on Thursday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte pressed them to continue the administration’s unrelenting campaign against illegal drugs.


In his speech, President Duterte reminded law enforcers of their obligation to protect the people from illegal drugs and criminality especially the younger generation.


“As commander-in-chief, I am not asking you for anything. But I am asking you to be conscious of the next generation,” the President said.



He vowed to protect policemen from prosecution if ever they are charged for violating the law while performing their duties. 


“Do not be afraid to do your duty… Do not compromise the next generation. It (illegal drug) is a very serious problem of our country,” he said.


He noted that drug addicts in the country have increased to almost 4 million from 3.7 million recorded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) three years ago.



During the same event, the President awarded several cops for their significant contribution in government’s campaign against illicit drugs.



He gave each cop P200,000 while P250,000 for each police unit awardee. 



From Camp Alagar, the President proceeded to visit a wounded cop, Senior Police Officer (SPO) 1 Ronald Eugenio, who is recuperating at the Capitol University Medical Center.

Eugenio sustained injuries in a firefight while doing surveillance work in Opol, Misamis Oriental last August 6. He had gunshot wounds in the abdomen, lower jaw and throat leaving him disabled and unable to talk.

Communicating with the President using a white board, Eugenio expressed concern about the widespread drug problem in the country.

He also shared the President’s view that drug menace must be stopped as it already threatens the next generation of Filipinos. 



The President, accompanied by some Palace and police officials, gave financial assistance to Eugenio and promised to pay his hospital bills amounting to more than P2 million.

He also advised him to learn sign language so he could be productive once he recovered. 



Eugenio, according to President Duterte, is entitled to receive P250,000 from the President’s social fund.

He was also given a spot promotion from SPO1 to SPO2. PND