PDEA-7 gets new regional director

CEBU, Philippines - As of yesterday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 has a new director.

Julius Navales is now the new director of the said agency, replacing Jigger Montallana who was transferred to the national headquarters as deputy chief of personnel division.  Montallana served the region for more than a year.

Navales graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 2008 and was recruited to join the PDEA.

He was assigned as deputy regional director in Central Visayas for a year before he was transferred to Western Visayas where he served as regional director in 2009.

Now Navales is back to serve Central Visayas as regional director.

Navales assured to be a responsible PDEA chief and fight illegal drugs in the region.

“Priority namin ‘yung pag-focus sa mga hard value targets and to continue our community involvement as well as we will reactivate the Anti-Drug Abuse Council in the LGU (local government units),” Navales said in a phone interview.

Navales said his new assignment will be a challenge because it includes Cebu, a business hub where the demand for drugs may be high.

“We will double time and work with other law enforcement agency particularly the PNP,” he said.

For his parting statement, Montallana thanked all PDEA-7 personnel for the support given to him.

“From strikers to my deputy, I thank them for the support and respect nga daghan mi’g accomplishments within a year,” Montallana said.

Montallana encouraged his former personnel to extend their support and trust to Navales and to always live the motto of the PDEA which is to “prevent, defend, enforce and achieve” the mission and vision.  –(FREEMAN)