The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) assured on Monday, Sept. 6, of its continued commitment to meet its June 2022 deadline of clearing as many barangays from the influence of illegal drugs.
PDEA Director General Wilkins M Villanueva said the goal of clearing more barangays was reinforced with the appointment of Assistant Secretary Diosdado C. Carreon, Deputy Director General for Administration (DDGA); and Assistant Secretary Gregorio R. Pimentel, Deputy Director General for Operations (DDGO).
“PDEA got a big boost from the recent appointment of Asec. Carreon, a retired Major General whose majority of stints came in Mindanao. He has something extra to bring to the table, taking along with him a ton of strategic military experience, intelligence and leadership to the organization,” Villanueva said.
Pimentel, a retired Police Maj. Gen. on the other hand is a seasoned and well-rounded expert in police operations and intelligence, having once served as head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Intelligence.
“PDEA has a self-imposed countdown and is entering the homestretch. I firmly believe that no challenge is insurmountable. The agency is surrounded by succeeders: dynamic leadership, and dedicated front liners and support personnel. We have what it takes to get the job done,” the PDEA chief said.
Known as “the ultimate expert in championing the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP)’’, Villanueva stressed that the main strategy of the national anti-drug campaign embodies a holistic and whole-of-nation approach in ridding illegal drugs in the communities.
The BDCP is the brainchild of Villanueva long before the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) adopted and made it as a Board Regulation.
As of July 31, 2021, 22,585 barangays have been declared drug-cleared with 12,731 yet to be cleared of illegal drugs. (Chito A. Chavez)