THE Philippine Drugs and Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Western Visayas Region clarified that any unit of Philippine National Police (PNP) can conduct an anti-drug operation within their area of jurisdiction without the deputation from PDEA.
This was explained by Ronnie Delicana, PDEA regional deputy director, after some member of the PNP in Negros Occidental claimed they failed to conduct operations due to the absence of PDEA deputation in their area.
It’s not true, Delicana said, adding that the provision of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 states that all the other law enforcement units are not stripped off the obligation to enforce the criminal law.
He said the law enforcement unit is only required to submit a pre-operation report to the PDEA office for the issuance of certificate of coordination so that the Pdea could also exercise the role as a leadagency.
“We are the traffic police of law enforcement that involves the implementation of R.A. 9165,” Delicana added.
Delicana explained that they need to traffic as the lead agency to avoid mis-encounters during the operation.
Along with PDEA regional head Paul Ledesma, Delicana conducted a briefing for personnel of City Anti-Illegal Special Operations Task Group (CAIDSOTG) on Thursday.
Delicana said PNP Chief Director General Allan Purisima has required all police units to form an Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (AIDSOTG) structure.
If they lack personnel, the AIDSOTG team is allowed to utilize other police personnel provided they lead the operation, he added.