MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed law enforcement agencies to step up the country’s anti-drug efforts through a “peaceful” and rehabilitative approach, emphasizing prevention and treatment over violence.

Speaking during an inspection of P8.87 billion worth of seized illegal drugs at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) headquarters in Quezon City, Marcos said the shift in policy is delivering results, with P62 billion worth of shabu interdicted since the beginning of his administration.

“The new concept of the war against drugs is working,” the President said. “We are beginning to see the good effects of that new policy.”

Marcos underscored that his administration’s strategy avoids the violent tactics of the past, where suspected drug offenders were killed without due process. Instead, the current campaign focuses on strengthening drug prevention programs and rehabilitation for users.

“‘Pag nasabit na sa droga ang tao, tinutulungan natin na mabitawan niya ‘yang bisyo na ‘yan,” he said. “We must continue with the war against drugs, but we must do it in a peaceful way. It has been described as a bloodless war on drugs—and this is what we are aiming for.”

The President instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and PDEA to maintain strong operations against both major drug syndicates and small-time traffickers, noting the importance of police visibility in communities to deter drug activities.

“We are hitting the drug trade at the highest level and at the lowest level,” he said. “And we are beginning to see some measure of success. Kaya ipapagpatuloy natin ito.”

The confiscated drugs, including the P8.87 billion worth of shabu, are scheduled for destruction on Wednesday in Capas, Tarlac, as part of the government’s effort to prevent recycling and misuse of evidence.