Warning up on fake PDEA recruiters

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday warned the public of fake agents who were recruiting “Roving PDEA Agents.”

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Jose Gutierrez Jr. said in a statement released Monday that they had arrested one suspect, identified as Jocelyn Mendoza-Domingo, 46, through an entrapment operation last August 16.

She had allegedly introduced herself as Lieutenant Colonel Josephine Mendoza and asked for P1,560 from Salvador Dela Cruz, a traffic enforcer in Sta. Maria Bulacan, for PDEA recruitment and processing fees to become a “Roving PDEA Agent,” the statement said.

Dela Cruz later complained to the PDEA which led them to conduct the entrapment operation and arrest Mendoza-Domingo for estafa.

“We will not tolerate unscrupulous individuals who deliberately besmirch the integrity of PDEA,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez encouraged the public to be watchful and vigilant and report to the authorities shady characters who pose as PDEA Officers or Agents, it said.