NBI to go after drug personalities, too

THE National Bureau of Investigation-Southern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-Semro) said the bureau is now back on track in looking for and running after those individuals and personalities involved in illegal drug trade in the region.

NBI-Semro director lawyer Mario Francisco Tonelete said aside from monitoring other crimes and violation on special laws, the bureau has also been tasked to look and run after those people involved in drugs in its area of responsibility.

"We received the order from the national office last December na binabalik na ang NBI sa paghahanap at panghuhuli ng mga drug suspects, if there is any complaint and/or reports na makakarating sa aming tanggapan," Tonelete said.

Tonelete said the bureau is coordinating with the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (Pdea), especially they have just started this month. He added that they need a target list.

"Siyempre, the lists of our target suspects before ay wala na so kakailanganin namin ng bago. We are on the process, but as of now, wala pa kaming nahuhuli neither nakikitang target related to drug use and/or selling," Tonelete said.

Tonelete also expressed desire to help members of the PNP and the Pdea, and other concerned government agencies in war against drugs, considering the difficulty of stopping the drug trade that has been happening in the country.