MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday vowed full support for Vice President Leni Robredo as she accepted her designation as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).
“The PNP welcomes the acceptance by Vice President Leni Robredo of the position as co-chair of ICAD to oversee the campaign against illegal drugs,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement.
“As a member of ICAD, the PNP will extend to her utmost courtesy, cooperation, and full support towards the attainment of a drug-free Philippines by 2022,” he said.
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In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, Banac said the PNP expects ICAD to convene after Robredo’s acceptance of the post.
He said the police have yet to receive other directives from Malacañang and other higher authorities on how it will operate in the committee under the leadership of the Vice President, except for an earlier order to “fully cooperate and support” her in her position.
“The PNP will cooperate as the inter-agency body deems it necessary and the details we are sure will be taken up as soon as the inter-agency body convenes. We are awaiting for the pronouncement of the Vice President,” said Banac.
“This is an inter-agency body. It is not only the PNP that will decide on the issues to be taken up when the body convenes,” he added.
READ: PNP to extend ‘full assistance’ to Robredo in leading drug war
As co-chair of ICAD, Robredo will share the position of Aaron Aquino, chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, which leads the 20 member-agencies of ICAD, including the PNP and the Dangerous Drugs Board. /muf