PNP’s former anti-drug chief gets ‘old’ post

MANILA, Philippines — The former head of the defunct police Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG) will again head the main anti-drug unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Senior Superintendent Albert Ignatius Ferro was designated as head of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), which has around 200 officers and personnel . He will assume his new post tomorrow.

Ferro, who was previously assigned at the Civil Security Group, replaces Chief Superintendent Joseph Adnol, who was reassigned as director of the Philippine National Police Academy.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Dionardo Carlos confirmed Ferro’s new assignment.

“Both officers are assigned to units where their skills and expertise can be of great use,” Carlos said in a text message, referring to Ferro and Adnol.

The reshuffling of key officials took place as the PNP is preparing for its return to the war on illegal drugs, as ordered by President Duterte.

Ferro used to head the AIDG, which PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa disbanded last January after some of its officers were implicated in the kidnapping and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-Joo.

A police official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Ferro still has Dela Rosa’s trust and confidence.

“The PNP chief thinks Ferro is the right person to accomplish his plan for the renewed drug war,” the official said in a text message.