By Paulo Loreto Lim

Negros Occidental fifth district Rep. Alejandro Mirasol endorsed the recent move by President Rodrigo Duterte to shift responsibility over anti-drug operations from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

“Give PDEA a chance to perform their mandate,” he said.

PDEA-Region VI (PDEA-6) Director Wardly Getalia recently expressed his confidence in his agency’s capability of handling such operations; however, he also acknowledged the lack of manpower in the anti-drug group.

While quoting the number of personnel between 45 and 50, he pointed out, PDEA-6 is currently conducting trainings in order to increase their numbers.

“Hopefully they could be given the augmentation of their personnel,” Mirasol noted.

Last week, Duterte issued a memorandum naming PDEA as the sole agency responsible for anti-drug operations.

The move was not particularly welcomed by Bacolod City Councilor Caesar Distrito, who said the president’s decision is bound to fail, claiming the move was only made to “allay the fears of the public.”

He also said the PDEA is “very limited” when it comes to manpower and without the budgetary capacity of the PNP.

Mirasol also indicated an “appropriate budget” is necessary in order for the PDEA to conduct their operations effectively./PLL, WDJ