Palace: Relief of Aquino as PDEA chief not a ‘loss of trust’ case

MANILA, Philippines — The relief and transfer of outgoing Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director general Aaron Aquino is not a case of “loss of trust and confidence,” Malacañang said Wednesday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement as he confirmed that Aquino will be transferred to another office, a statement which was earlier made by PDEA spokesperson Derrick Carreon.

“I can assure you that this is not a case of loss of trust and confidence or anything. He will just be given a new assignment,” Roque said in an interview over ANC.

Roque did not disclose as to which office Aquino will be transferred to.

PDEA’s Northern Mindanao chief Wilkins Villanueva is replacing Aquino, a Palace official said Tuesday.

Villanueva had previously served as chief of PDEA’s Metro Manila office.

He also served as chief of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) intelligence and investigation service.

/MUF