Marcos announces intensified, bloodless anti-drug campaign

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced a stepped-up, bloodless anti-drug campaign in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28, 2025.

He reported that the government had seized a total of PHP82.79 billion worth of illegal drugs between July 2022 and June 2025.

This significant figure highlights the government’s intensified efforts to combat the drug trade in the Philippines.

The President’s emphasis on a “bloodless” campaign suggests a shift in strategy, focusing on law enforcement and interdiction rather than the violent tactics employed in previous anti-drug operations. Further details regarding the specific strategies employed and the impact on drug-related crime are anticipated.

The President’s announcement underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing the drug problem in the Philippines.

The substantial value of the drugs seized indicates a significant disruption of drug trafficking networks and a potential reduction in the availability of illegal substances.

However, the long-term effectiveness of the campaign and its impact on drug-related crime rates will require further monitoring and evaluation. The emphasis on a bloodless approach represents a departure from previous, more controversial anti-drug strategies and highlights a potential shift in the government’s approach to this complex issue.