By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA
MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday highlighted that strengthened cooperation with other countries is a major step in addressing the illegal drug problem.
In a statement, Acting PDEA Deputy Director General for Administration Irish Calaguas, who represented Director General Aaron Aquino at the 24th Asia Pacific Drug Enforcement Conference in Tokyo, Japan, stressed that the enhanced cooperation of PDEA and its international counterparts resulted in the arrests of international drug syndicates members operating in the country.
Calaguas reported the dismantling of clandestine laboratories in Ibaan, Bataan and the first ecstasy laboratory in Malabon City last April 2018 as a concrete example of good collaboration with the National Narcotics Control Commission, Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China.
She also cited the good relationships of the Philippines with other countries such as USA, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, among others.
Calaguas’ presentation tackled the Philippine drug situation and the government’s drug control strategies.
Calaguas also received positive reactions from member countries after she explained the harm reduction programs of PDEA such as the Balay Silangan Reformation Centers and Sagip Batang Solvent (Saving Children Sniffing Solvent).
Balay Silangan Reformation Program is aimed at teaching drug offenders’ livelihood programs and life skills to prepare their reintegration into society.
To date, a total of 24 Balay Silangan centers have been inaugurated nationwide.
