Wanted: Anti-narc agents

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is opening its doors to qualified professionals who want to join the government’s war against illegal drugs.

PDEA director general Isidro Lapeña yesterday said the PDEA Academy is gearing up for the recruitment and selection of successful applicants who will join the Drug Enforcement Officer Basic Course (DEOBC) Class 2017-11.

Applicants should be aged 21 to 35 years old, at least 5’0” tall for females and 5’2” tall for males, a college degree holder, career service professional eligible, board passer or qualified by the Civil Service Commission under Special Laws.

Qualified applicants will take qualifying examinations, neuro-psychiatric tests, medical and dental examinations and physical fitness test. They will also undergo background investigation and panel interview.

Once recruited, they will undergo a six-month comprehensive and regimented DEOBC training at the PDEA Academy at Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite, according to Lapeña.

“Cognizant of the challenges posed by the enormity of the country’s drug problem, we need every single qualified and able body to join us in the fight against drugs,” he added.

In a phone interview, PDEA spokesman Derrick Carreon said around 100 to 150 people will be recruited to beef up their manpower of around 2,800 officers and personnel.

The agency has some 1,287 vacant positions.

Successful applicants will have an entry-level position of Intelligence Officer I with a monthly salary of P19,000, excluding allowances.

Interested parties should submit their letter of application and other requirements to PDEA’s main office at NIA Northside Road in Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City.