PDEA taps more men in fight vs drugs

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO— The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is expanding the antidrug campaign of President Duterte at the grassroots level by hiring 500 more enforcers and establishing 81 provincial offices and five districts in 2018, according to its director general, Aaron Aquino.

Allotted a P2.5-billion budget next year, the PDEA would buy more guns, vehicles, drug-sniffing dogs and communication equipment, Aquino said.

In a yearend report, he said the agency would strengthen its partnership with local and international counterparts, and coordinate closely with the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for joint anti-illegal drug operations in Philippine high seas to prevent ship side smuggling.

PDEA will also set up offices in 13 major seaports and form task forces in international airports and strengthen its capacity to conduct financial investigations and freeze assets of drug lords and financiers.

Aquino said PDEA would embark on an active advocacy campaign and push for the creation of reformation centers called “Balay Silangan” for drug users who surrender.

In these centers, former drug users will be given livelihoods and training, after care services as well as community and social reintegration programs to be done by government and nongovernment organizations. —TONETTE OREJAS