By Perfecto T. Raymundo Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Friday (July 4) marked its 23rd Anniversary with the theme: “Matatag na PDEA! Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Pamayanan ay Ligtas” as it cited the significant role of the media in disseminating truthful news about the government’s anti-drug campaign.
The turnover of office ceremony of the PDEA Regional Offices was presided over by the 9th PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez at the PDEA Gymnasium.
The 23rd Anniversary of the PDEA is the fruitful partnership with the media for the last 23 years.
In his first 100 days in office, Usec. Nerez led the transformation of the PDEA.
He intensified the law enforcement against illegal drugs in the grassroots level.
The PDEA had conducted 1,150 operations, leading in the arrest of 1,521 drug personalities, including high value targets
It resulted in the delisting of the Philippines from the Financial Action Task Force.
He recognized that the success in drug campaign not only lies in the arrest of drug suspects.
He led the local and international drug operations.
Nerez spearheaded a wholistic approach and people-centered approach in drug campaign.
In his speech, Nerez said that today’s event is the celebration of the 23rd Anniversary of the PDEA and collaboration with the media.
“Ang laban na ito ay hindi kaya ng PDEA lamang. Kailangan namin ang inyong panulat at lente para isiwalat ang katotohanan sa kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga,” Nerez said.
Nerez thanked the media for their invaluable support.
He led the distribution of Anniversary token to the members of the PDEA Press Corps, Quezon City Press Club, and the Central Police District Press Club. ###
