BEWARE OF FAKE PDEA AGENTS

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency issued a warning for the public on the existence of unscrupulous personalities who pose as PDEA Agents and then commit crimes.

PDEA Director General Senior Undersecretary DIONISIO R. SANTIAGO issued this Public Advisory, citing in particular the Php 6,100,000.00 heist of a soda and juice factory in Quezon City by 20 armed men who introduced themselves as PDEA Agents. Verification efforts in cooperation with police authorities disclosed that the perpetrators were not PDEA Agents. The Complaint and Reaction Unit (CRU) under the Office of the Director General, PDEA has already formed a crack team to respond to cases similar to the soda factory heist. Director General Santiago added that PDEA will not hesitate to arrest and charge those who malign the good name and reputation of the Agency.

According to the PDEA Chief, the best way to avoid harrassment and being victimized by such criminals is through vigilance and application of proper security procedures in their facilities. Appropriate identification or court orders must be demanded by guards on duty to prevent similar occurences in the future. PDEA has institutionalized reforms and measures to stamp out the corruption attached to anti-drug operations along with its ongoing process of internal cleansing to protect the public and the Agency as well. Thus, he said that it should not be surprising to see PDEA personnel being arrested and charged by their own peers for involvement in illegal activities.

PDEA also reiterates its previous advisory on the nefarious activities of groups like the Citizen Anti-Drug Action Group (CADAG) under a certain retired BGen Leoncio B. Daniega, who undertake solicitations and even threaten or coerce their victims, usually owners of small businesses. This is an act of grave misrepresentation and is not in any way sanctioned or supported by PDEA.

Director General Santiago encouraged the public to coordinate with PDEA for proper identification of its personnel through the following PDEA Hotlines: 9279702; 9283534; 9284060; 9280090; 9286358; and 9286829 local 0.