Philippine President to Call on Military to Fight Drug Trafficking

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced on February 2 that he would issue a decree to send military units to fight drug gangs amid the disbandment of anti-drug police units, Reuters reported.

Philippine President to Call on Military in Fight Against Drug Trafficking

According to Mr. Duterte, the drug trafficking problem has become a national threat. The imposition of martial law is not necessary, but the President will issue a decree to support the military, the statement said.

The Philippine government previously announced that units of the anti-narcotics police would be disbanded amid widespread abuses, but President Rodrigo Duterte said he would continue his all-out war on drug addicts and their distributors.

On January 31, Mr. Duterte, in a message to military generals, said he hoped to receive their help in the fight against drugs, as well as in supporting the arrest of corrupt police officers./.

According to Sputnik