DAVAO CITY – After undergoing series of orientations, the members of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) anti-illegal drugs enforcement unit is set to resume their anti-illegal drug operation anytime soon.
DCPO spokesperson Sr. Insp. Maria Teresita Gaspan, however, pointed out that the drug operation will be a coordinated activity especially with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) XI.
“We are on target setting mode especially in the identified drug personalities,” Gaspan said Monday.
She added that they are now working on case build-up and identifying of new personalities allegedly involved in illegal drugs.
DCPO’s preparation for the resumption of the anti-illegal drugs operations also includes proper application of search warrants and the filing of cases.
“We want to ensure the quality of our operation especially in the filing of cases,” she stressed.
Gaspan said there were series of a refresher course for the police especially on laws related to their work as law enforcers and the revisit of the police operational procedure.
“We also continue on our community rehabilitation aftercare program,” she added.
She said the DCPO is committed to strengthening their programs and operation especially the Oplan Iron city and Fortress. The anti-criminality and anti- terrorism operations will continue and will be more enhance in a holistic approach, Gaspan said.
In a separate interview, chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, the director of Police Regional Office (PRO) XI, confirmed he has already directed to the police to go after drug pushers.
“Yes I have directed them to go after pushers and hit them hard as far as the law is concerned; in coordination with the PDEA,” Gaerlan said.
Gaerlan said the Davao police are resuming operations following the order of President Rodrigo Duterte returning the anti-illegal drug operations to the police in coordination with the PDEA.
In December last year, President Duterte issued a memorandum ordering the Philippine National Police (PNP) to rejoin the anti-drug campaign.
Although PDEA had significant achievements, the President noted the operations are hampered due to the agency’s lack of resources, like agents, and operatives who can penetrate drug-infested areas down to the municipal and barangay levels
The President also noted the resurgence of illegal drugs in the Philippines and crimes since the PNP and the other law enforcement agencies yielded to PDEA the all anti-illegal drugs operations. (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)
