MANILA, Philippines — Jonvic Remulla, Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said the government is gradually addressing the problem of illegal drugs in the Philippines without resorting to killings, emphasizing a shift in focus toward dismantling major drug syndicates.

Speaking during a press briefing on March 13, 2026, Remulla explained that the current anti-drug campaign is prioritizing the arrest of so-called “big fish”—key personalities and leaders behind the illegal drug trade—rather than targeting small-time users.

According to the DILG chief, authorities are strengthening intelligence-driven operations and coordination among law enforcement agencies to track down large-scale drug networks that operate across regions.

“We managed to wage this campaign against drugs without killing anyone,” Remulla said. “Hindi tayo pumapatay ng tao pero nareresolba natin unti-unti ang problema sa droga.”

The statement reflects what some officials describe as a recalibrated approach to the country’s anti-drug efforts—one that focuses more on law enforcement operations, arrests, and dismantling organized criminal groups rather than violent encounters.

The Philippines has long faced challenges related to illegal drug distribution, involving both local and international trafficking networks. Over the years, the campaign against drugs has been one of the most debated policies in the country, drawing strong opinions both domestically and internationally regarding methods and outcomes.

Remulla’s remarks suggest that authorities are now trying to demonstrate that drug enforcement can continue while avoiding deadly outcomes and prioritizing larger criminal structures behind the trade.

However, questions remain about how effective such strategies will be in the long term. Critics and analysts alike continue to debate whether focusing on high-level syndicate leaders will significantly weaken the illegal drug market or simply cause networks to reorganize. As the government claims progress in addressing the issue, a broader question arises: Can a strategy that targets major drug syndicates—without resorting to lethal force—ultimately solve the country’s long-standing drug problem?

(Larawan mula: Jonvic Remulla / Facebook)