CEBU, Philippines – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency will be training and screening at least 5,000 policemen for deputization.
“I want to create an army and deputize all that will meet the character and integrity standards,” Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday said during the general assembly of barangay captains held at the Cebu International Convention Center where drugs was one of the topics discussed.
The PDEA-7 only has 30 agents.
“I am serious about this problem. I am declaring an all-out war against illegal drugs. If there’s a war, we need an army kay nagkagrabe ning maong problemaha,” Garcia said as she urged the barangays to reactive their anti-drug abuse councils.
Garcia also said the barangay captains and tanods will be recommended to PDEA for training and deputization as agents with the reactivation of the barangay anti-drug council.
During the first quarter meeting of the Central Visayas Peace and Order Council held in Dumaguete City, PDEA agent David Maramba said that street prices of drugs and marijuana have dropped, an indication that there may be more than enough supply in the market.
Maramba had also told the council that the PDEA in the region has limited resources and personnel in their campaign against illegal drugs, which prompted Garcia, the council chairwoman to declare a crusade against drugs.
Garcia earlier said she wants to make it a policy to require active participation in the anti-drug campaign as basis for the release of province-assistance to the barangays.
“We wanted to see full cooperation from the barangays. Unless they are issued with a certification for their participation, all further financial assistance will be withheld,” she said.
Republic Act 9165 or the anti-drugs law mandated PDEA to act as the lead agency in the campaign against illegal drugs. Other law enforcement agencies like the PNP and the NBI must coordinate with PDEA in their anti-drug efforts. — Garry B. Lao/BRP (THE FREEMAN)