PDEA-7 in need of drug enforcers

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency is in need of more personnel to help government combat against the proliferation of illegal drugs.

The agency will be recruiting nationwide 150 drug enforcement officers (DEOs), an entry level position of Intelligence Officer 1 (IO1).

Leia Albiar, PDEA-7 Public Information officer, said the agency continues to provide employment opportunities to those who aspire to become part of the organization, which fights against illegal drugs.

She said there is a need to increase PDEA's workforce to fulfill the mandate of President Rodrigo Duterte which is to eliminate illegal drugs.

"Given the mandate of President Duterte, we really need to lift up the number of our officers to intensify the operation," Albiar said.

She admitted that they lack personnel, especially now that the agency has several anti-illegal drug programs.

“Sa pagkakaron, we badly need personnel for the operation nga mao'y mo-field work,” Albiar said.

Applicants must be 21-35 years old, at least 5'2'' in height for men and 5' in height for women, holder of a baccalaureate degree, career service professional eligible, and board passer or qualified by the Civil Service Commission under the special laws.

The applicants will undergo a thorough screening, as well as take qualifying, physical, and neurological examinations.

Once recruited, they will undergo a six-month comprehensive and regimented training program at the PDEA Academy in Silang, Cavite.

However, even if a new recruit passed the screening but failed to meet the standards and rules of the academy during the training period, he or she will still be disqualified, Albiar said.

Moreover, she said they are incessantly monitoring the agency's anti-illegal campaign activities.

She added that the regional office is also strengthening its operations and equipping the law enforcers, as well as tapping the local government units, and the public to help in its antiillegal drug efforts.

C. Danuco/KBQ