ILOILO CITY — The exchange of personnel between the regional offices of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Western Visayas and Central Visayas began Friday.
In a press conference, PDEA 6 (Western Visayas) Spokesperson David Garcia said most of these personnel were “feeling down” due to the transfer. He, however, assured that “they already understood (the move) little by little.”
Garcia said some of these personnel asked to be excused from reporting to the office so they could pack their things and attend to the needs of their families before they leave.
However, he added, that the personnel do not question the decision of PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino regarding the swap and that they will comply with the relief order.
Garcia said the swap is being done in batches until Tuesday next week, clarifying that only 89 personnel from Western Visayas will be transferred to Central Visayas, and not 103 as he previously mentioned.
He said the relief order from their central office stated that only plantilla or regular workers are covered by the order. Only four regular “highly-technical personnel” and Garcia will stay behind in Western Visayas.
Meanwhile, Garcia said that 91 personnel from Central Visayas will be transferred to Western Visayas.
“They are high-ranking agents. I know that their experience in the field will help them do good or better in Region 6,” he said.
PDEA-6 Regional Director Wardley Getalla is swapping posts with PDEA 7 (Central Visayas) Regional Director Emerson Margate.
Garcia said Getalla described their new assignment as a “big challenge.”
“He (Getalla) assured that we will continue to fight against illegal drugs because for him, it does not matter where you are assigned,” he said.
Garcia also reiterated that the “straight swap” of personnel is to “avoid familiarity and affinity” in Central Visayas following the killing of PDEA Investigation Agent III Earl “Baby” Rallos, 48, a resident of Labangon, Cebu City, in an ambush incident last week.
The PDEA-6 personnel who are going to Cebu were not transferred to investigate the case of Rallos, he said.
“We are not an investigating body. It is up to the police,” Garcia said, also noting that the swap is not due to their poor performance in the illegal drugs campaign. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)
