Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) officers during a mission in Valenzuela, Philippines, on October 12, 2017 (VNA)

A survey by Pulse Asia Inc. conducted from September 24 to 30 showed that 88% of the 1,200 people surveyed nationwide expressed support for the campaign. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman, Ernesto Abella, said the government is pleased with the survey showing that more than 8 out of 10 Filipinos support the government's campaign against illegal drugs. He said this shows that people appreciate the administration's efforts to reduce crime and make the streets safer and the communities more peaceful.

Duterte last week returned to anti-narcotics operations to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) after the police caught flak for their handling of the war on drugs. Abella said the administration will focus on arrests of drug lords and narco-politicians, the interdiction of smuggled and locally-made drugs, and the rehabilitation of addicts.