MANILA, Philippines—Philippine National Police Chief Directorial staff wants Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar to join the Special Action Force (SAF) in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

This is due to the questionable integrity of the police because of the “shabu recycling” allegations surrounding it.

Eleazar said SAF commandos should only focus on the high-value targets or big-time drug lords and traffickers that President Duterte wants to end.

In his speech at the graduation of the six classes of the SAF commandos course, he said he believes they are the most qualified units to chase big-time drug lords.

“This is because of the integrity and bravery of the SAF commandos who are the most qualified fighters President Duterte is looking for,” Eleazar said. “We cannot expect drug lords to easily give it up because it’s a multi-billion-peso business. They will fight for it at all costs. The President, on the other hand, is determined to finish this problem.”

But the aggressive campaign seems to be overshadowed by the involvement of the police as protector of drug traffickers, or in drug recycling activities, so it is more appropriate for SAF commandos to enter it was learned.

The SAF’s involvement should be centered around the operation as the intelligence aspect is already in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and police anti-narcotics operatives. (Marian Sinamban/IAMIGO/CNS)