Sen. Marcos calls for more PDEA field operatives as a first step in combatting drug menace

Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. today called for additional field operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, saying it is one of the first steps necessary to combat growing menace of illegal drugs in the country.

"Unless we have enough warm bodies on the field we cannot hope to gain ground in our fight against illegal drugs," said Marcos.

Alarmed by PDEA report that around 92 percent of barangays in Metro Manila are affected by the drug problem Marcos earlier urged the drug agency to concentrate its efforts against big-time drug syndicates.

"Field agents cultivate their own sources in their respective areas of assignment and these are the people who can provide the agency with vital intelligence to bring down big-time drug syndicates," Marcos said.

Marcos noted that currently PDEA only has 892 field operatives distributed in its 17 regional offices around the country.

"This is simply not enough. We have to provide PDEA with the capability to do its job," Marcos said.

He added that he would look into the drug agency's proposed 2016 budget to find ways of increasing its plantilla position for field operatives.

Likewise, Marcos said PDEA should improve its reward system to intensify its intelligence gathering operation against illegal drug syndicates operating in the country.

In addition, Marcos said PDEA should revive and strengthen its tie-up with barangay officials and community volunteers to support the agency's drive against illegal drugs.