Vice President Sara Duterte has expressed regret over the Philippines’ association with regional illegal drug trafficking, while commending Laos and Thailand for their efforts to combat the illicit drug trade and strengthen regional security.
In a statement dated October 11, Duterte acknowledged the challenges faced by the Philippines in addressing illegal drugs and called for stronger law enforcement, intelligence-sharing and cooperation among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“We recognize the concerns surrounding the Philippines’ role in regional drug trafficking and express my deep regret that our country has become associated with this problem,” Duterte said.
She also extended her appreciation to the governments of Laos and Thailand for their continued efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking, saying their actions have helped protect Filipino families from the harmful effects of illegal drugs and contributed to safer communities in the Philippines.
As an ASEAN member, Duterte acknowledged the country’s responsibility to intensify its efforts against transnational drug trafficking.
“We commit ourselves to strengthening our law enforcement efforts, improving regional intelligence-sharing, and deepening cooperation with our ASEAN partners to combat transnational drug trafficking,” she said.
The Vice President added that the Philippines must learn from the experiences of neighboring countries and fulfill its obligations as a member of the regional bloc to help promote security across Southeast Asia.
Duterte’s statement comes as Philippine authorities investigate reports that separate shipments of suspected illegal drugs seized in Laos and Thailand were allegedly bound for the Philippines.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it was coordinating with foreign authorities to verify the reported destinations and circumstances surrounding the seizures.
