PDEA in Bicol gets new equipment worth over P13M

LEGAZPI CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Bicol has recently acquired over P13 million worth of new equipment, boosting its campaign against illegal drugs in the region.

Among the new equipment the agency has received were 28 units of Galil assault rifles, two Toyota Hi-Ace vans, eight motorcycles, 35 bullet-proof vests, 35 Kevlar helmets, 35 hydration packs, six Canon cameras, eight desktop computers, 10 body cameras and a Celebrite equipment, PDEA regional director Christian Frivaldo said.

Frivaldo said in an interview that the Galil rifles, body armors and vehicles would complement the existing Tabor and M4 carbine rifles, vest, cameras, and vehicles.

“The additional equipment would amplify our capabilities in pursuing the government war against illegal drugs in the next higher level,” he said.

Frivaldo said PDEA Bicol has 55 agents operating in the six provinces. With the acquisition of this new equipment, all personnel would be well-equipped during drug operations.

The new equipment is part of the agency’s modernization and procurement program, he added.

Frivaldo said under an agreement with the Philippine Ports Authority, PDEA offices would be set up in the ports of Tabaco City in Albay and Matnog in Sorsogon.

He also said a task group composed of PDEA, Navy, Coast Guard and the police would conduct illegal drug and border patrol operations in shorelines believed to be the drop points of illegal drug distribution.

As for the campaign against politicians and government officials in the watch list, Frivaldo said surveillance had been intensified that led to the arrest of some elected officials.