PDEA top officials undergo surprise drug test

Nothing beats the old adage that a leader should lead by example.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has shown the way.  There were instances that we have seen him occupying a seat in the economy class, from his speeches, he has said many times that he is not receiving additional remuneration from except his salary, he has forbidden members of his cabinet using luxurious cars. But among the many small good things the president he has implemented since that start of his administration one that has stood up is his non-compromising stance with corruption in government.

A few weeks back, in a sign that he listens to his constituents, he has ordered the transfer of the war on illegal drugs back to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) from the Philippine National Police (PNP). *

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (photo credit to owner)

To show the public PDEA’s sincerity, integrity and credibility in solving the drug problem in the country under the strict supervision of the President, it has shown the way.

PDEA top officials led by Director General Aaron Aquino submitted themselves to a surprise drug test during the 2nd Command Conference at the PDEA national headquarters in Quezon City on Saturday.

The agency's officials submitted their urine samples for the mandatory drug test administered by the PDEA Laboratory Service led by Director Belen M. Banog.

"This surprise drug test shows that PDEA, as the sole agency in battling the drug menace, is a drug-free workplace and a role model to other government agencies," Aquino said in a statement.

He added that the agency continues to cleanse its ranks in the face of issues of integrity and credibility.

"This will help establish our moral ascendancy and is part of the standard procedure in cleansing our ranks,” Aquino said.

Making giant strides despite challenges

PDEA has reported recently that from October 11 to 22, 2017, PDEA conducted a total of 210 anti-drugs operations.

The operations of PDEA from the mentioned period alone  has resulted to arrest of 79 drug personalities, wherein 21 of them were high-value targets, and the confiscation of dangerous drugs worth of P3, 574, 385.78. *

“Out of the confiscated drug evidence, 677.72 grams are methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, with an estimated market value of P3,388,600, and 1,857.99 grams are dried marijuana leaves worth PHP185,785.78, “PDEA Director Aquino said in a statement.

report from PNA.gov.ph