Ruiz to end entry of drugs, corruption

Starting today, Yogi Felimon Ruiz will head the Enforcement and Security Services (ESS) of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), leaving behind the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) - 7.

PDEA-7 will be headed temporarily by Atty. Ana Lynn Hernandez until newly designated PDEA director, General Aaron Aquino, picks his PDEA-7 chief.

Yesterday, Ruiz said one of his major targets is eradicate corruption and illegal drugs at Customs.

“Any eventuality nga naa gyuy makalusot, I think then that is something nga ato gyung i-determine kinsa tong mga nagpalusot they will be made answerable. Mao ra atong gipasalig sa atong commisisioner,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz will be working with two other former PDEA regional directors, including NCR PDEA Director, Wilkins Villanueva.

His new post will give him oversight on three divisions – ports security, water patrol division, and customs police division.

He admits not being thrilled with the idea of working far from his family but he still decided to work with General Isidro Lapeña, the new customs commissioner, because the latter is someone who has inspired him in previous times they have worked together.

“I take this as challenging, considering nga mas bug-at ang tahas nga iyang gihatag kanamo but we will be there to support him all the way,” Ruiz said.

What about those who will attempt to corrupt him?

“No, I don't think with a leader like General Isidro Lapeña, I don't think they will be able to do that. Kay ako, I can promise 100 percent that my loyalty is in the commissioner. That's why nga ako pud siyang suklian sa iyang pagkamatinud-anon sa iyang pagpanarbaho,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz served PDEA-7 Director for more than a year.

He assured that the projects he started in PDEA7 will be continued.

“Whatever investigations nga atong gihimo na karon, whatever programs nga atong gibuhat related sa drug campaign sa PDEA, it will continue. Sayang man ang atong effort nga new leader, magchange na pud ta, mag-start ta from zero na pud… it will continue. Everything will continue,” Ruiz said.

He said heading PDEA7 was challenging.

“Considering that taga diri ko sa Cebu, and knowing the nature of our job, dili malikayan nga naa tay maligsan, but I think I have shown to the Cebuanos nga kinasingkasing ang atong trabaho. And I am proud nga never nga sa akong pagpanarbaho never ko nabahiran ug mga katiwalian,” Ruiz said.

Lapeña, former head of PDEA confirmed he will bring Ruiz with him to Customs.

“Yes, I'm bringing Regional Director Ruiz to Customs”, Lapeña said in a text message to The FREEMAN.

REACTIONS

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said she is saddened by Ruiz's transfer.

"We are losing him to a national office. He was doing such a good job. We had a very good working relationship," Magpale said.

She said she will expect the new PDEA-7 chief to display a strong commitment to the job like Ruiz did.

"I know this is a tough job and it takes really somebody very strong. Hinaot maka-tap tag sama ni Yogi," she said.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña also commended Ruiz of his performance in PDEA-7 and hopes “he gets all shabu arriving here." "Ruiz was effective. I passed tips to him whether in and out of Cebu City. He is a good performer," Osmeña said.

Councilor David Tumulak, meanwhile, fears the change in leadership in PDEA-7 will affect the campaign against illegal drugs.

"At first, makaguba gyud kay og ang bag-o makalingkod balik nasad ta sa uno napud, malangay ba," he said.