PDEA can now apply for search warrants, says SC

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Supreme Court has included the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) among the agencies that can apply for search warrants.

Based on the Office of the Court Administrator Circular 87-2013 dated July 2, 2013 signed by Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, the high court’s Administrative Matter 03-8-02-SC will be amended to include PDEA with other agencies that can apply directly for search warrants.

Other agencies include the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Anti-Crime Task Force (ACTAF).

Before, PDEA can secure a search warrant by requesting the police or NBI to apply one in court.

Now PDEA can apply for search warrants involving violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 in the Regional Trial Courts of Manila and Quezon City, but Marquez clarified that the search warrants are enforceable nationwide.

Marquez issued the circular after the high court approved his recommendation in a resolution dated June 4, 2013.