Slain PDEA agent cited

A Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operative who was killed in a shootout during a raid in Cagayan de Oro City last year has been awarded posthumously the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani by the Civil Service Commission.

The late Investigation Agent 1 Joel Genita was recognized for his bravery as a member of the PDEA regional office raiding team in Northern Mindanao that conducted an entrapment operation in Barangay (village) 31 on Dec. 15, 2014, during which six suspects were arrested.

Honor wall

Genita was shot in the head by a suspect who attempted to escape.

“In remembrance of Genita, whose name is etched on the PDEA black granite honor wall, his dedication, selflessness and sacrifice will continue to be remembered by us,” said PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr.

The agent finished his Drug Enforcement Officers Basic Course at the PDEA Academy and was a member of Class 2008-03 “Masidlak.”

Drug dens

The PDEA arrested six suspects during the operation and seized an undetermined amount of “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride), drug paraphernalia, a .45-cal. pistol, two magazines and ammunition.

Cacdac said the raid was conducted in a slum dotted with drug dens in one of the city’s critically drug-affected barangays (villages).

Genita’s family will receive educational assistance and financial benefits along with the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani Award of the CSC.

‘Bayani’

“This is a tribute to civilian public servants who displayed the characters of a bayani (hero) in the name of public service and died in the dedicated performance of their duties, functions and responsibilities,” the PDEA chief said.

Genita’s heirs will receive a discount on tuition and school fees for three family members in any member-institution of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges or in the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and P100,000 in financial assistance.–Julie M. Aurelio