PH, China sign pact on ‘war vs. drugs’

Under a five-year deal, the two countries agree to share information and data on drug crimes

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Narcotics Control Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have formed an alliance to effectively suppress and control drug crimes between the two nations.

This was after PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña and Hu Minglang, director general of Narcotics Control Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China signed an agreement stipulated in the Protocol On Cooperation in Beijing, China last Oct. 20.

“Under the Protocol, which will be effective for five years, the two countries agreed to establish and maintain cooperation involving information and data exchange on drug crimes, including an updated list and complete profile (if possible) of drug suspects and status of arrested drug personalities who are citizens of each country for the purpose of conducting further investigation, cooperation in drug crime investigations, assistance in repatriation of drug criminals, and exchange and training of narcotics investigators,” Lapeña said.

In addition, both parties have come to terms in determining specific measures for cooperation by frequent consultation.

They also agreed to hold, when practicable, annual meetings whenever necessary.

“Recognizing that the drug menace is a lingering problem that is transnational in character and global in scope, the Philippines and PRC have vowed to work together to liberate their territories from the bondage of illegal drugs,” the PDEA chief added.