PDEA invokes silence, welcomes NBI probe

MANILA, Philippines – Despite being racked by allegations of graft and corruption, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has decided to keep silent and instead welcomed the inquiry of the National Bureau of Investigation.

“[PDEA] shall refrain from issuing further statements until the probe has reached its conclusion,” its official statement read.

Nonetheless, it assured the public that PDEA would continue to perform its duty in the pursuit of a drug-free country “with honor, commitment, respect for human dignity, excellence and competence.”

The allegations against PDEA surfaced following the relief of Assistant Secretary Carlos Gadapan, PDEA deputy director general for operations, last week.

However, PDEA clarified that the relief order for Gadapan “was not an internal decision, but [an] order emanated from Malacañang.”

Gadapan’s relief was due to “loss of confidence”, according to the Palace.