Aquino orders PDEA probe after sacking of deputy general

President Benigno Aquino III

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III placed the entire Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency under investigation for alleged anomalies in connection with the recent dismissal of one of its officials, said PDEA Director General Jose Gutierrez Jr.

Gutierrez told reporters at the House of Representatives on Tuesday that the President sent a team from the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the entire agency after its deputy director general Carlos Gadapan was sacked by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. over “loss of confidence.”

“Lahat sa agency, tinitingnan lahat. There are so many issues. May order kasi si Pangulo na imbestigahan,” was his response when asked who in PDEA were being subjected to the inquiry. He said that he has told his officers to cooperate, adding that the investigation was likely to last a week.

Gadapan alleged that Gutierrez’s wife used PDEA funds in gambling.

“In case na ang pangulo ay ayaw na sa akin, ako ay political appointee, I’m going out of the agency without any side comments at all. I serve at the pleasure of the President,” said Gutierrez when asked to comment on the possible results of the investigation.

He however dodged questions on the ongoing investigation, saying that it was better off to wait for the results. “Ang importante ay may independent na investigation body na nagiimbestiga sa lahat ng issues, hintayin na lang natin ang resulta.”

Gutierrez said that he has assigned an officer-in-charge to take over Gadapan’s post.