PDEA chief to resign if…

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Wilkins Villanueva yesterday vowed to resign from his post if there is evidence that PDEA agents who figured in a shootout with policemen along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City sold illegal drugs before the encounter.

Villanueva challenged anyone to present closed-circuit television footage, which would prove that PDEA operatives were involved in a so-called “sell-bust.”

“Maglabas sila ng CCTV na nagbentahan ang PDEA at pulis, magre-resign ako right now,” he said.

Villanueva issued the statement in response to unverified information that PDEA agents were allegedly about to sell drugs to a target before they clashed with the Quezon City police.

The government’s chief anti-narcotics officer earlier denied that PDEA agents were involved in the drug trade.

The Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory confirmed that marked money was found in the van used by the PDEA during the shootout.

Crime Laboratory director Brig. Gen. Steve Ludan, however, said the amount did not reach P1 million.

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza  proposed that the control of the police be returned to local officials, saying the mayors would be answerable.

House dangerous drugs committee chairman Ace Barbers said several amendments to Republic Act 9165, including the mandatory use of body cameras during anti-drug operations, should be done. – Edu Punay