New PDEA-7 chief wants stronger ties with LGUs, police

CEBU, Philippines - The new chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 said the agency will intensify its campaign against illegal drugs in coordination with local government units and police in the region.

PDEA7 chief Jigger Montallana, 32, said he plans to coordinate with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia whom he described as “very firm” in the fight against illegal drugs. The governor has thrown support behind PDEA in the past.

Montallana said he is currently evaluating “local drug personalities” to further familiarize himself with the “illegal drug community” here.

Montallana clarified, however, that he is not exactly new in Region 7, as he was assigned at the Benito Ebuen Airbase in Lapu-Lapu City in his early years in the military.

PDEA has figured in controversy recently after one of its agents, Steven Valles, was arrested in Tagbilaran City, Bohol for allegedly selling drugs. Montallana said Valles’ arrest was not the reason why he had to replace former PDEA7 chief Adrian Alvariño.

Montallana assured the public that PDEA will be fair in its investigation, especially against those subjects with positions in government.

Both Montallana and Alvariño are members of the Magdalo class that became controversial after initiating a mutiny in 2003. Montallana was recruited to PDEA after he was relieved from military service.

Before transferring to PDEA7, Montallana headed the PDEA national headquarters, which he recently turned over to Zoilo Lachica who once headed the Criminal Investigation and Detective Group (CIDG) 7. (FREEMAN)