The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) received an award during the grand launching and awarding ceremonies of the Philippine Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association (PNEOA) held last night (October 10, 2011) at the Penthouse of Midas Hotel in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.
The award was given to PDEA in recognition for its commitment and dedication as the lead anti-drug agency in the campaign against dangerous drugs as provided in Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr. received the distinguished award for PDEA as an institution for its role in the enforcement of the anti-drug law.
PNEOA President Senator Vicente Sotto III led the awarding together with the night’s guest of honor and speaker, Sen. Gregorio Honasan, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs and of the Senate’s Congressional Oversight Committee on Dangerous Drugs. Also present during the affair were Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Sen. Franklin Drilon, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. and Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
PNEOA, established in 1999 and patterned after the International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association (INEOA), hopes to bring together law enforcers from government agencies and civilian volunteers in combating the drug menace in the country.
“PDEA is very honoured to have our efforts recognized by PNOEA. It is indeed privilege to be considered in a league of ‘real men and women who help build the next generation’,” the PDEA Chief said, referring to a line in Sen. Honasan’s speech uplifting the contribution of law enforcers in the shaping the society and providing safe and drug free communities for the Filipino people.
The PNEOA also commended PDEA Metro Manila Regional Office (PDEA-MMRO) for its exemplary performance in the implementation of the national campaign against illegal drugs in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Five men who sacrificed their lives in the performance of their sworn duty, PDEA Agents Pablo June Jala, Jesus Ebo, Armand Taneca, Rommel Alvarez and Mr. Edward Gautani, were also conferred posthumous awards in recognition of their heroic act. The families of the slain heroes received the awards in behalf of their loved ones. Evangeline DJ Almenario, Chief, Public Information Office, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
