In the midst of former President Rodrigo Duterte's recent attacks on law enforcement, the Philippine National Police (PNP) released figures on Wednesday, demonstrating that it is still a well-functioning and effective organization fighting illegal narcotics and other crimes.
The PNP said in a statement that the anti-drug campaign is on track, with 25,641 drug suspects apprehended in 19,464 law enforcement operations from January 1 to June 9 of this year.
During the same time frame, a total of P6.2 billion in illegal narcotics and substances were seized.
The PNP also reported a 9.73 percent decline in index crimes this year, from 18,270 last year to 16,492.
It added that in the operation against unlicensed guns, 31,956 wanted suspects were apprehended nationally, while 12,373 unsecured firearms were either recovered or surrendered.
Previously, Duterte challenged the whole police force to resign, accusing them of being the gatekeepers of the illegal drug trade.
Last Tuesday, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced the filing of criminal charges against 50 police officials, including two police generals, in connection with alleged irregularities in the seizure of 990 kilos of shabu worth P6.7 billion in Tondo, Manila, last year.
While admitting that a "minimal" number of police officers broke procedures and laws, the PNP stated that such misbehavior was never allowed.
As evidence, the PNP stated that up to 836 police officers were fired for serious violations, while 1,703 others were suspended.

The PNP also hid behind a recent OCTA Research survey, which found that 80 percent of Filipinos, or eight out of ten, still trust the police force.

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PNP releases figures demonstrating efficiency, well-functioned despite drug scandals