PDEA now ‘fully armed’ to wage all-out drug war

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said its newly procured high-powered firearms, protective equipment, and information technology (IT) will further strengthen the agency’s all-out war against illegal drugs.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said the purchased equipment will further protect the agency’s operating units against lawless elements as they continue to fight the drug menace in the country.

The protective equipment includes tactical modular type vest, mobile armor rifle protective/ballistic shield (level IV), and high-powered firearms.

Aquino said the agency procured 689 units of tactical modular type vest with a total value of 155,051,100.00; and 43 units of mobile armor rifle protective/ ballistic shield valued at 132,526,000.00.

The agency also purchased highpowered firearms consisting of 560 units of Galil rifle worth 1105,840,000.00 and IT equipment (135 desktop computers) valued at 19,444,735.00.

The firearms, protective and IT equipment valued at P202,861,835.00 will be distributed to all PDEA operating units in the country.

“One of the strategies that served as the benchmark of PDEA in accomplishing its mission is the enhancement of the agency’s operational capability through output-based logistical support for operation. In doing so, appropriate logistical provision is needed that includes mobility, firepower, protective equipment, and office equipment,” Aquino pointed out.