The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) said that it has conducted an online continuing seminar on anti-illegal drug operations and Investigation for around 200 policemen and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in a bid to develop a high competency level when enforcing anti-narcotics operations.

In a statement, the DDB noted that the seminar from Aug. 14 to 18 was attended by 143 personnel from the National Police College and 58 from the PDEA. 

"This is essential in the sense that it develops a greater sense of responsibility when implementing anti-drug law and other relevant procedures," said DDB Deputy Executive Director for Operations Maria Belen Angelita V. Matibag.

At present, the DDB noted that over 1,323 Police Non-Commissioned Officers and PDEA agents were trained nationwide from 2015 to 2019 and from 2021 to 2023 over 1,558 enforcers were also trained online.

Earlier, DDB and PDEA officials paid a courtesy visit to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and tackled important issues regarding the anti-illegal campaign of the government.

The DDB said that Bersamin discussed with both anti-narcotics agencies the proper implementation of the country’s drug war and other related concerns on the matter.

Bersamin gave both agencies instructions on prevention and control which are anchored on the thrust and direction of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. that were emphasized during the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Earlier, the DDB has collaborated with the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime-Regional Headquarters for Southeast Asia and the Pacific to further enhance the fight against illicit drug manufacture and precursor control among the key agencies involved in the anti-drug campaign.