DDB deputy chief now heads agency

MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte promoted Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) assistant secretary and deputy executive director for operations Benjamin Reyes as its new head.

Reyes replaced Felipe Rojas Jr., one of the appointees of former president Benigno Aquino III sacked by Duterte.

With his years of experience in anti-drug advocacy and his background on health, Reyes takes the helm of the DDB as it continues to develop and implement a balanced and comprehensive strategy against illegal drugs.

Reyes will take his oath of office next week.

Meanwhile, Rojas ended his stint at the DDB in high spirits as he said he was able to oversee accomplishment of a number of the board’s targets.

Among these are the development of guidelines on handling surrendering drug personalities, partnership with the Public Attorney’s Office on processing of petitions for confinement to treatment and rehabilitation and presentation of proposed amendments to Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 in Congress.

 “I am thankful for the opportunity to serve and work with the people of the DDB,” Rojas, a retired police official, said during the general assembly of DDB employees on Friday morning where he also announced the appointment of the new chairman.

Rojas is set to focus on his family and private business but will continue to support the government’s anti-drug advocacy, particularly on the treatment and rehabilitation of some drug dependents.

He also expressed confidence that Reyes would continue to improve the services of the DDB. 

“Keep up the good work,” he told the board’s employees.     

The DDB Secretariat said the appointment papers of Reyes were dated Aug. 24.