PDEA eyes more offices

MANILA, Philippines -  The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is set to establish more city and provincial offices to boost the war on drugs efforts of the administration.

Under PDEA Memorandum Circular No. 2017-016, dated Feb. 23, more agency offices will be set up to “effectively and efficiently address the drug problem and facilitate collaboration with other stakeholders in the national anti-drug campaign.”

The anti-narcotics agency is set to establish five district offices in the National Capital Region, 81 provincial offices, and 33 highly urbanized city offices from the current 18 regional offices.

The provincial, city and district offices will be mandated to conduct intelligence and intensified anti-illegal drug operations in their areas of responsibility.

They will also supervise and lead anti-drug operations in coordination with local government units.