PDEA eyes talks with BuCor for drug test on inmates, return of its NBP office

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is looking to have discussions with newly-installed Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag to bring back the agency’s satellite office at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) and conduct drug testing on inmates.

Speaking before reporters on Thursday, PDEA Director General Aaon Aquino said he hopes that the anti-drug agency will have a better relationship with the BuCor under the leadership of Bantag, who replaced sacked Nicanor Faeldon over alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law.

READ: Duterte names ex-Manila City Jail warden as new BuCor boss

“We expect na (that) in the few days to come, we will have some talks regarding some particular things, for example ‘yung proposal namin (our proposal), number one to bring back the PDEA office at the Bureau of Corrections. I just hope that we will be given a place for us to put up a facility there,” said Aquino.

“Secondly, our proposal for the drug testing for all inmates doon sa (in the) Bilibid,” he added.

During the Senate hearing on the PDEA’s budget for 2020, Aquino said a convicted drug lord serving time at the NBP was still able to engage in the illegal drugs trade by using a mobile phone.

He said the case is not an isolated incident.

READ: PDEA chief confirms: Drug lord did business in prison

PDEA used to maintain a satellite office at the NBP but this was removed during the time of former BuCor chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, according to Aquino.  /muf

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