PDEA warns of fake agents

WITH THE war on drugs in full swing, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has warned of persons posing as PDEA operatives making the rounds and extorting “protection” money from people on a supposed list of persons of interest.

“We are appealing to the public to be vigilant in dealing with people posing as PDEA operatives with the promise of removing persons of interest from a list of targeted drug personalities,” Director General Isidro S. Lapeña said in a statement on Saturday.

Lapeña said the fake agents send out bogus invitations or orders to surrender using a reproduction of the official agency newsletter, or by forging Lapeña’s signature or of the PDEA Region VII director.

To report fraudulent activities, the public may call hotlines 0939-3960627, (02)9200735 or (02)9200736. Jaymee T. Gamil