The newly-installed chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., wants to punish owners and crew of sea vessels which would be caught transporting illegal drugs into the country.
Azurin said there is a need to tighten the noose around those involved in the smuggling of drugs, especially that majority of shabu and other illegal drugs entering into the country using sea vessels.
“We have to either revoke the license to prevent them from entering the country or confiscate the vessels. We have weak border security and there is a really a need to strengthen it,” said Azurin.
On the part of the PNP, he said they will initiate partnership with other government agencies, particularly the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard and even the Bureau of Customs.
As he vowed to continue the gains against illegal drugs, Azurin said this would be complemented with strong partnership with the community through police community relations.
He said the trust and cooperation of the people in the community to the PNP is an essential tool to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.
For a start, he said the local police forces should strengthen their good working relationship with barangay officials.