The Dangerous Drugs Board reiterates that there are no policies that permit, tolerate, and condone killings and other human rights violations in relation to the Philippine anti-drug campaign. This is a reaction to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor’s statement that extra judicial killings appear to have been committed pursuant to official state policy of the Philippine government.

As the agency tasked to formulate policies on drug prevention and control, the DDB guarantees that all of its issuances are supported by evidence-based information and guided by best practices from regional and international counterparts. Policy recommendations and guidelines on drug prevention and control instituted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime including those from the International Narcotics Control Board are also espoused in anti-drug policies which are in adherence to international commitments in the spirit of regional cooperation.

Time and again, the DDB has openly presented the Philippine government’s plan of action to address the national drug abuse situation. Governed by the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy or PADS, all agencies of the government have been directed to implement initiatives to cut the supply of and demand for drugs. The current administration emphasized the importance of this through an Executive Order signed by the President.

A whole-of-nation approach is undertaken that unites, balances, and strengthens complementing law enforcement and public health strategies. Programs are grounded on evidence-based approaches and culturally-relevant models that adhere to the rule of law, respect human rights, and support international obligations.

The successes of these interventions are felt on the ground as the recent household survey on the patterns and trends of drug abuse in the country reveals that 65.8% are aware of the government’s campaign against drugs and of those who are aware, 81.6% approves of the campaign. A high number of respondents also believe that the current drug situation under the present administration has slightly improved (34.7%) to greatly improved (45.5%).

While the Philippine government strengthens the anti-drug campaign, it also reinforces the sense of accountability among front liners and duty bearers. Cases filed against erring officers are being dealt with according to the provisions of the law with corresponding sanctions and penalties as prescribed by due process.