Ninety-one individuals were arrested in 63 anti-drug operations conducted by authorities during the last week of May, Malacañang said on Thursday, June 5, as it reaffirmed President Marcos’ directive to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs.

In a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the operations aim to make the country safer for Filipinos.

"Target ng mga operasyong ito, hindi lamang ang malalaking drug syndicates kundi pati na rin ang small-scale peddlers at drug dens na patuloy na nambibiktima ng mga Pilipino (These operations targeted not only large drug syndicates but also small-scale peddlers and drug dens that continue to victimize Filipinos)," she said.

Citing government data, Castro said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted 44 buy-busts, seven marijuana eradication missions, seven search and seizure raids, and five interdiction efforts.

Those arrested were identified as 41 alleged drug pushers, 27 drug den clients or visitors, 12 drug den owners or maintainers, five employees, two possessors, one courier, and one importer.

President Marcos has repeatedly vowed to continue a "rules-based" and humane approach to the anti-drug campaign.

Castro reiterated the message of newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicolas Torre III to police officers to ensure lawful conduct during operations.

“Huli, hindi patay (Arrest, not kill),” Torre reportedly told his ranks.

In a speech early this week, President Marcos also instructed Torre to sustain the government’s anti-illegal drug operations, warning that both high-level drug lords and street-level dealers must be pursued aggressively.

"Magsagawa pa rin tayo ng drug seizures at tiyakin na sasampahan ng kaso ang mga drug dealer at ang mga drug lord (Let’s continue drug seizures and ensure that both drug lords and dealers are charged)," he said.

"Kahit ang small-time na mga drug dealers ay wala ring ligtas (Even small-time dealers should not be spared),” he added.

The President said police must coordinate closely with the PDEA and maintain surveillance over vulnerable communities.

In a briefing in Malacañan on Wednesday, Torre said he had ordered PNP personnel to arrest offenders, file strong cases, and convince prosecutors to hold perpetrators accountable.

Beyond arrests and legal action, Torre also acknowledged the role of rehabilitation in addressing the root of the drug problem. He encouraged families and individuals involved in drugs to voluntarily seek help, assuring them of the PNP’s support.