PDEA seizes P3.5-M drugs in first 12 days of leading anti-drug war

FILE: Director General Aaron Aquino (Photo: PDEA)

MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has recorded significant accomplishments during the first 12 days after it was designated by President Rodrigo Duterte as the lead agency in the ongoing war on drugs.

PDEA conducted a total of 210 anti-drug operations from October 11 to 22, 2017, resulting in the arrest of 79 drug personalities, 21 of these are considered high-value targets, and the seizure of dangerous drugs worth PHP3,574,385.78.

“Out of the confiscated drug evidence, 677.72 grams are methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, with an estimated market value of P3,388,600, and 1,857.99 grams are dried marijuana leaves worth PHP185,785.78, “said PDEA Director General Aaron N Aquino said in a statement.

Aquino said PDEA is cognizant of the challenges posed by the enormity of the country’s drug problem in the Implementation of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002.

“Though undermanned, underequipped and inadequately funded, PDEA will deliver tangible results, even more than is expected of us,” the PDEA chief noted.

The PDEA chief assured a less bloody anti-drug war and adherence to the rule of law in performing its mandate.

“From body-worn cameras to accompanying media presence, these would ensure a culture of transparency in our day-to-day operations in the streets,” he said.

With only 1,038 agents, Aquino said the agency would coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government units (LGUs) for the continuation of drug-clearing efforts in barangays.

“The obvious lack of personnel is indeed a point of concern since our presence is only on the regional level and with some skeletal provincial offices. But we will closely link up with the barangays for the continuation of the barangay drug-clearing program,” he said.

Earlier, Aquino announced that PDEA needs highly qualified professionals to fill up 373 vacancies.

PDEA has an approved 2,271 regular positions, 1,898 of which are filled up and deployed nationwide. The list of vacant plantilla positions is published in the agency’s official website.

Interested applicants may send their application letters addressed to Aaron N. Aquino, Director General, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City.

Aquino said the agency continues to provide employment opportunities by opening its doors to those who aspire to become part of the country’s anti-drug organization.

“This is an opportunity for those who want to join the fight in ridding our country of illegal drugs and be part of an elite drug law enforcement group. Be part of the PDEA family -Professional, Dynamic, Excellence-driven and Accountable public servants with credibility and competency in leading a drug-free Philippines,” Aquino said in a statement. (PNA)