President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday directed the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to be the lead agency in the government’s campaign against drugs.
The President’s order was contained in his Memorandum addressed to all concerned government agencies with the subject “Implementation of Republic Act 9165 Otherwise Known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”.
“(I)n order to bring order to the operation/campaign against illegal drugs, thus pinpointing precise accountability, I hereby direct, the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), PNP (Philippine National Police), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Customs, Philippine Postal Office and all other agencies or any and all ad hoc anti-drug task force, to leave to the PDEA, as sole agency, the conduct of all campaigns and operations against all those who, directly or indirectly, and in whatever manner or capacity, are involved in or connected with, illegal drugs,” President Duterte said in the Memorandum.
“All information/data received by the NBI, PNP, AFP, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Postal Office and all other agencies or any and all ad hoc anti-drug task forces shall forthwith be relayed, delivered or brought to the attention of the PDEA for its appropriate action,” he added.
The Memorandum, likewise, urged the PNP to maintain police visibility at all times as a deterrent to illegal drug activities.
The PDEA, created by virtue of Republic Act No. 9165, is mandated by law to undertake the enforcement of the provisions of this Act relative to the unlawful acts and penalties involving dangerous drugs and substances.
The agency is also authorized to arrest and apprehend all violators as well as search and confiscate the effects or proceeds of the crimes.
Further, it is empowered to monitor and inspect all air cargo packages, parcels, and mails in the central post office in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and Philippine Postal Office.
“(W)hile it (R.A. No.. 9165) shall not mean to be a diminution of the investigative powers of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on all crimes as provided for in their respective organic laws, the said law however specifically provides that ‘when the investigation being conducted by the NBI, PNP or any ad hoc anti-drug task force is found to be a violation of any of the provisions of this Act, the PDEA shall be the lead agency,’” the Memorandum stated. PCO-Content
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday urged government officials and members of the media to always uphold the truth in line with their duty of communicating the government’s platform to the people.
“To my fellow workers in government, especially those who form part of the Communications Office, I enjoin you to remain committed to your duty of upholding the truth at all times,” the President said in his speech during the re-launching of the newly renovated press briefing room at the New Executive Building in Malacañan.
President Duterte reminded his colleagues in government to refrain from exaggerating, misinterpreting, or agitating any information as they disseminate the administration’s platform of governance.
“In the same vein, I call on our friends from the media to also remain committed to the truth at all times. Never, never lie because we are not up to it anyway,” President Duterte also told members of the press.
“Never confuse your search for answers with the need to engage the public through sensationalized news and overpublicized political propaganda,” he added.
The Chief Executive then expressed his dedication to upgrade the country’s state media to keep it at par with international standards.
He further cited the need to foster a more vibrant relationship with the press, as it plays an important role in providing information to the people regarding the government’s policies.
“The role of the media is vital if we are to successfully educate our people about the much-needed constitutional reforms that would lead to a more responsive federal-parliamentary form of government that welcomes foreign investments as a catalyst for economic growth,” the President noted.
“The press will also play an important role in the dissemination of accurate information on the gains that we are reaping from our country’s successful chairmanship of ASEAN, our improved relationship with our neighbors, and our role in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Commander-in-Chief echoed his earlier declaration to strengthen the country’s state forces to ensure better protection for future generations of Filipinos.
“This is no threat. I said it is my mandated duty to keep this country safe and sound. And the only way I can do it is I have to build a strong army and police,” he said.
President Duterte warned that serious consequences could ensue if the aspirations of various rebel groups in Mindanao are not met.
He said groups like the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) might be pushed to declare an independent state in the region.
“The point is we are not ready to embark on another war again; this time on a large scale throughout Mindanao. I just know what will happen,” he said.
The President said his administration continues to welcome assistance from foreign nations in upgrading the country’s law enforcement capabilities.
According to President Duterte, two more arms shipments are expected to be donated by China, whereas Russia is set to deliver arms to the country later this month.
The President however remained firm that he would not allow any country to dictate the affairs of his government. PND
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday received Hollywood action star Steven Seagal in a courtesy call in Malacañan after the actor arrived in the Philippines reportedly to scout a location for his new movie.
Seagal, 65, was accompanied by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson during his meeting with the President.
Seagal’s new movie is about illegal drugs and other crimes.
Telling Seagal that movies are a reflection of life, President Duterte reiterated his strong stance against illegal drugs because it enslaves people to a form of synthetic chemical.
He also told the American actor that he used to have karate lessons.
Drug trade and production devastated many societies in Latin America, particularly Mexico, and the President said he does not want the Philippines to suffer the same fate.
Prior to meeting Steven Seagal, President Duterte received artist Freddie Luna Cruz.
Cruz, the great grandson of national artist Juan Luna, presented a portrait of the President, which he painted last year when the Chief Executive assumed office.
Cruz was accompanied by Presidential Consultant for Education Jose David Lapuz. PND
