Stamping out terrorism and criminality

We cannot win the war against terrorism and criminality without the wherewithal to pursue terrorists and criminal elements. Even with government’s limited resources, we will seek to match the arsenal and firepower of terrorist organizations and criminal syndicates, dismantle them, bring them before the bar of justice, and leave them no room for retreat, only surrender.

We have provided the Philippine National Police (PNP) with P35.3 billion in 2003 to help us in our fight against lawless elements, and in the campaign against kidnapping, trafficking of women and minors, smuggling, carnapping, gunrunning, illegal fishing, and trafficking of illegal drugs. We have allotted P855 million for 5,000 new policemen, jailguards and firemen. We have also provided a total of P2.1 billion for the increase of salaries of the PNP and for the 4,000 new policemen recruited and mobilized on July 1, 2002.

We will continue to fund PATROL 117, a barangay-based program that involves communities in preventing and solving crimes. We will likewise allot funds for the DILG quick-reaction team JERICHO to fight illegal gambling, criminal syndicates and major crime groups.

We have also provided funds for the construction of jails to solve congestion in existing correctional facilities.

We are providing P42.5 billion to the Department of National Defense (DND). This includes P41.0 billion for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of which P2.95 billion will be for the salary adjustment of AFP personnel. This will strengthen combat operation and reinforce intelligence and support services. We have earmarked P800 million for 7,000 new troops to beef up existing troop strength. We will enhance our strategic relationship with the United States through continuing military exercises to sharpen our soldiers’ skills.

The drug menace is no longer just a police problem but a threat to national security. In pursuit of the intensive and unrelenting campaign against the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs, the government organized the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) under Republic Act No. 9165 to ensure the efficient and effective enforcement of all laws on dangerous drugs. The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) shall continue to be the policy-making and strategy-formulating body in the planning and formulation of policies and programs on drugs prevention and control.