By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA
MANILA — Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino has condemned the killing of an agent in Lupi town, Camarines Sur province on Monday.
“We condemn the criminals behind this killing. We believe that this is a planned act with an intent to demoralize our agents, as the illegal drugs syndicates try to shake our core,” Aquino said in a statement.
The victim, PDEA-Camarines Norte assistant officer Enrico Barba, was reported missing on Monday after he went to meet an informant in Daet town, Camarines Norte regarding drug activities in the area. He was found dead in Lupi, Camarines Sur.
“We strongly defy the threat and we strongly condemn this violence against our agents,” Aquino said.
Barba’s mission was fully documented and disclosed to his Provincial Officer Agent Vidal Bacolod, who relayed the same to the regional director.
He said Barba’s death would not dampen the agency’s campaign against illegal drugs.
“His service to the country, as commendable as it is, will be used as an inspiration and motivation to strike harder against the operators of the illegal drugs industry,” Aquino said.
At about 8 p.m. on Monday, PDEA-5 (Bicol) received a report that Barba’s body was found in Lupi town.
Based on the report of PDEA-5, Barba suffered several gunshot wounds on the face and body. He also had contusions on his body and suffered trauma on the head, according to an initial autopsy report.
