PDEA-7 officer: Robbery suspect is not our agent

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has denied that the robbery suspect in Enriquez Compound, Barangay Punta Princesa, Cebu City was its “asset.”

The agency said it does not know Jezer Setosta Banzon who was caught on CCTV camera with his girlfriend identified only as Ericka on board a motorcycle after the robbery incident.

According to PDEA-7 spokesperson Leia Alcantara, she showed the picture to their agents but they do not know the man and Banzon himself.

“Dili to siya in no way is related to the agency, maka-assure mi ana sa public,” said Alcantara.

Alcantara revealed that it is not new that the name of their office is being used by some bad elements and it has happened many times already.

The agency has warned the public to verify first when someone identifies himself to be connected with the PDEA during transactions.

“Pwede ra sila motawag diri sa office ug mangutana kung agent ba gyud ni, personnel ba gyud ni sa PDEA, careful kaayo when partnering with force multipliers kay naay uban raba dili sila PDEA pero mas PDEA pa sa PDEA mao na careful pud ta,” said Alcantara.

Alcantara said that if the Philippine National Police needs help to catch the bandit, they are ready to cooperate.

The PDEA legal office has studied what legal action it will take against people who use the agency’s name. GMR (FREEMAN)