The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) commemorated its 19th anniversary on Friday, June 25, with a wreath-laying ceremony at its National Headquarters in Quezon City to honor the agency’s fallen comrades.

In his speech, PDEA Director-General Wilkins Villanueva recognized the heroism of the operatives who made the ultimate sacrifice while on the line of duty. He also paid tribute to personnel who died amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Despite the pandemic, Villanueva said the agency has proven its readiness and capability to pursue its mandated tasks of being the frontliners of the country’s fight against illegal drugs.

He stressed that PDEA sees no hurdle in ensuring the continuous and efficient performance of its sworn duty to lead the country’s anti-illegal drug campaign even amid the health crisis.

The PDEA chief emphasized that the agency’s illegal drug campaign is keen on rehabilitating people hooked on illegal drugs.

“Para sa akin, ang PDEA ay isang pamilya. At ako ay nagpapasalamat sa Diyos na kayo and aking naging katuwang sa trabahong ito. Isang pamilyang maipagmamalaki ng kinabibilangan ng mga empleyado nagpapahalaga at sumusunod sa tamang disiplina, may malasakit sa kapwa at sama-samang naghahangad makamtan ang tunay na katahimikan at kapanatagan ng bawat barangay sa buong bansa (For me PDEA is one family. I thank God that you are one with me in this endeavor. A family of employees that I can be proud of and who give importance in attaining genuine peace and security of every barangay in the country),’’ Villanueva said.

Despite the current unfavorable circumstances, Villanueva urged his men to continue pursuing excellence in the lawful performance of their duties.