MANILA, Philippines — A total of 6,600 persons linked to the illegal drug trade have been killed since the start of the government’s war against drugs, data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed Tuesday. Banac said the PNP still pegs the “official” death toll in police operations against illegal drugs at 5,375 as of March 2019. Banac said 49 police officers have died while 144 others were injured in the conduct of police operations against illegal drugs. This means the government still has to clear the remaining 48.69 percent or 20,471 villages of illegal drugs. Meanwhile, Banac said the PNP is urging local government units, communities, and families to participate in the war against drugs at the grassroots level.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 18, 2019 03:33 UTC