Deaths from drug campaign could soar to least 20,000 : Duterte
President Rodrigo Duterte said deaths of between 20,000 to 30,000 could be expected if his aim to rid the country of a drug problem does not come true.
"I tell you, I will triple it. If my wish is not followed to get rid of my country (of the drug problem), you can expect 20,000 or 30,000 more (deaths)," Duterte said Thursday night.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday has restarted its tally on data on its accomplishments against illegal drugs under its new phase Oplan Double Barrel Alpha.
In the latest report of the PNP Public Information Office, it recorded 11 drug suspects killed and 376 arrested in its latest update as of 6 am Friday.
It's lower compared to the 1,725 fatalities and 31,629 people arrested from July 1 to October 26.
The number of anti-drug operations for the new phase totaled 254. Meanwhile, 1,235 composed of 111 suspected pushers and 1,124 users. The total number of houses visited is at 124,130.
Including the 3,001 victims in deaths under investigations, the total number of casualties are now at 4,725
Asked for comment, Chief Superintendent Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, PNP director for operations, said it's more of motivating their field units to do better.
"This is for all units to think that we are starting at zero. Operatives will do their best against just like from the start," Cascolan said in a text message to Daily Manila Shimbun.
The move is seen to "rejuvenate" the police force which started its intensified campaign against drugs since July. Emmanuel Tupas/DMS
