14 July 2016•Update: 14 July 2016
By Roy Ramos
ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines
Philippines police have killed 192 drug suspects in the three months since Rodrigo Duterte swept home in a presidential election won largely on crime fighting promises.
In data released Thursday by the Philippine National Police-Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, 43,578 drug suspects are reported to have been "neutralized" from May 10-July 10.
The Philippines News Agency (PNA) said that suspects were arrested through interdiction operations, service of arrest warrants and search warrants, checkpoints, and other forms of police operations.
Of the 43,578 "neutralized", 192 are reported to have been killed in various anti-drug operations.
On being sworn into office June 30, Duterte -- the first Mindanaoan president of the country -- said he would follow up on campaign threats to kill tens of thousands of criminals and police also involved criminal activities.
"These sons of whores are destroying our children. I warn you, don’t go into that, even if you’re a policeman, because I will really kill you," the 71-year-old said.
"If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself as getting their parents to do it would be too painful."
Thursday's data showed that under the anti-drug campaign, a total of 8,110 drug personalities have been arrested 35,276 illegal drug dependents and users surrendered.
The PNP data also showed 6,478 persons are facing charges or charged for violation of the country's Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Law.
“There's no turning back...We started strong in this war and we will finish stronger,” National Police-Directorate Chief Director Gen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa was quoted by the Philippines News Agency (PNA) as saying.
As part of the intensified campaign, Duterte has publicly announced the names of five police generals linked to the drug trade.
The five have been placed on a watch list for possible escape out of the country.
The tough talking president has also named three "drug lords" responsible for the spread of methamphetamine hydrochloride -- also known as meth or shabu -- in the entire country.
Human rights groups have expressed concern that violence is quickly getting out of control and people are ignoring laws in apprehending suspects.
In Duterte's 22 years as mayor of Davao, a bustling commercial hub in Mindanao, the 71-year-old turned it from a crime-filled city to a bustling business hub, while imposing bans on public smoking, the selling of alcohol and the operation of entertainment spots past midnight.
