MANILA — To boost its operation capability in compliance with the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drugs drive this year, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) purchased PHP90.4 million worth of equipment and vehicles.
LOOK: PDEA presents their new equipment for surveillance, communication and protection that will enhance their operations on war on drugs. (1/2) | via Bea Bernardo pic.twitter.com/RslLB3PJ9S
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“With the persistent threat of illegal drugs in the country, PDEA continues to build up its capabilities, augmenting its operating units and Drug Enforcement Officers with the essential resources to thrive well in the war against drugs,” PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino said in a press conference Thursday.
Aquino said that for better monitoring of drug suspects and their illegal drug activities, the agency purchased surveillance/intelligence and communication equipment, consisting of 20 remote-controlled aircraft (drones), and 166 handheld radios, for a total of PHP10.27 million.
He said these newly-acquired surveillance and communication equipment would strengthen PDEA’s intelligence and information-gathering and investigative capabilities.
“In addition, PDEA procured 100 body cameras worth PHP2.9 million to be worn by our agents during operations. They will be accompanied by members of the press/media presence during these operations to ensure a culture of transparency,” Aquino added.
PDEA also bought 753 tactical helmets and 23 reloading machines, amounting to PHP25.71 million.
“The firearm reloading and protective equipment are the newest addition to PDEA’s armory. These will increase our armaments in drug law enforcement, and will provide our operatives better protection during actual engagements,” Aquino noted.
To boost the productivity of PDEA personnel, the agency also purchased 470 printers and 100 laptop computers worth PHP11.29 million, and to improve mobility, it acquired 38 units of Hyundai H100 personnel carriers and 38 units of Yamaha SZ 150cc motorcycles, amounting to PHP40.22 million.
“Logistics is the lifeblood of every organization. PDEA has put premium on the modernization of equipment and supplies to better equip itself in waging an all-out war against illegal drugs,” the PDEA chief said.
The equipment and vehicles will be distributed to PDEA’s national office and 17 PDEA regional offices across the country. (PNA)
