Drug war in the Philippines

This refers to the report “Duterte pulls police off drug war” (Feb. 1). This is a good move by Duterte, as it will minimize chances for corrupt policemen to harass innocent people for their vested interests under the guise of cracking down on drug addicts. There must be concrete proof against drug addicts, and only an appropriate punishment should be meted out. After all, if half the country’s population was addicted to drugs, would they all be killed?
Along with taking stern action against drug addicts, there should be ample rehabilitation centers nationwide, and treatment should be sponsored by the government for free. Many people may want to be rid of their drug addiction but cannot afford treatment.
No doubt Duterte’s intention is good, and we should appreciate his stance against drug addiction, which has been spreading like a plague in the Philippines. But he must approach his goal with caution, and the use of police must be judicious.