PDEA warns against fake agents

Our operations are always coordinated with the local police and the conduct of search operations are always armed with search warrants issued by courts

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reiterated its warning to the public against unscrupulous individuals posing as agents after reports of uniformed suspects who died in an encounter in Zambales.

PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva issued the warning following the recent killing of two suspects, allegedly involved in kidnap-for-ransom activities, during a shootout with the police in Botolan.

“The slain suspects reportedly belonged to the same group of men and women who wore PDEA uniforms and rushed to arrest a man in Ususan, Taguig on 4 February 2018. The incident was caught on security cameras,” he said.

Villanueva clarified it was not the first time that fake agents perpetrated illegal activities. The unauthorized wearing of PDEA uniforms or insignia is punishable under the Revised Penal Code.

He emphasized that PDEA follows standard operating procedures in conducting legitimate anti-drug operations.

“Our operations are always coordinated with the local police and the conduct of search operations are always armed with search warrants issued by courts,” he said.

Villanueva also encouraged the public to be vigilant and report to PDEA any similar incidents involving suspicious individuals masquerading as agents.

Reports can be sent to the Report to Wilkins Facebook page or through hotline numbers 0995-3547020 and 0931-0278212. “Reporting will be a big help to find those pretending to be agents to commit mischiefs,” he said.