“Beware of fake PDEA agents.”
Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr., Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), issued this warning to the public after unscrupulous men posed as PDEA agents in the conduct of criminal activities.
Last Wednesday (October 5) five men posing as PDEA operatives allegedly robbed two managers of a known pawnshop as they left the Mactan Cebu International Airport to bring valuables to their main office in Cebu City. This was the third incident of the same nature reported in Cebu.
“The public should be warned about this. This is not the first time that the name of PDEA was used by rogue individuals to perpetrate illegal activities,” Gutierrez said.
The PDEA Chief emphasized that PDEA follows standard operating procedures in conducting legitimate search operations and check-points. PDEA anti-drug operations are always coordinated with the local police and the conduct of search operations are always armed with search warrants issued by court.
“We are implementing intensive cleansing among our ranks to protect the name and integrity of the Agency. We shall not allow unscrupulous individuals to discredit PDEA. We are now coordinating closely with the Philippine National Police concerning this matter,” said Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez is also encouraging the public to report to PDEA any similar incidents involving suspicious individuals who introduce themselves as PDEA agents. Evangeline DJ Almenario, Chief, Public Information Office, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
