MANILA — Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino on Wednesday urged its personnel to take the necessary proactive measures against threats and violence in the campaign against illegal drugs.
“As we continue our relentless fight against drug syndicates, I encourage everyone to be vigilant of these lawbreakers who will do everything to perpetuate their illegal activities, even to the extent of killing law enforcers who stand on their way,” Aquino said in a statement.
He issued the directive after an ambush in Barangay Malna, Kapai, Lanao del Sur resulted in the death of five PDEA agents who were on their way to Marawi City after a symposium attended bY drug surrenderers in the municipality of Tagoloan, Lanao del Sur on October 5.
The conduct of lectures, symposia, and fora are part of PDEA’s anti-drug advocacy campaign aligned with its drug suppression and demand reduction program.
“We will not stop, rather, we will double, if need be, triple our effort to accord justice to our agents. We will triumph in this fight because PDEA is on the right track in performing its mandate while reassuring the public of its promise to eliminate illegal drugs in the country,” he said.
PDEA also encourages the public to report illegal drug activities to the authorities to help fight illegal drugs and their purveyors.
Meanwhile, Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairman, Secretary Catalino Cuy, condemned the ambush-slay of five PDEA agents and expressed his great concern and deepest sympathy over the incident.
“Those responsible for the deaths of the PDEA agents have committed an outright act of ruthlessness. It is clear that the government’s campaign is a threat to individuals who continue to pursue illegal activities despite the President’s stern warning. The illegal drugs trade in the country is affected by the government’s serious commitment to suppress it. We will not let this incident hinder us from advancing our all-out campaign on drug abuse prevention and control,” Cuy said in a statement.
The anti-drug body also urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to bring justice to the family of the victims and ensure the safety and interest of anti-drug law enforcers who continue their crackdown on drug syndicates and peddlers nationwide.
“Being the highest policy-making body on drug control matters, DDB will also formulate policies that will guarantee the welfare of anti-drug agents in the performance of their duties. One move is to strengthen DDB Regulation Number 1, series of 2016 on the Operation Lawmen by including safety net provisions for officers involved on anti-illegal drug operations apart from the incentive mechanisms in place,” Cuy added.
On Wednesday, the PNP filed multiple murder and double frustrated murder charges against 10 suspects in the ambush-slay of the PDEA agents. (PNA)
