PDEA chief takes swipe at critics

MANILA, Philippines - Following the arrest of a provincial board member for alleged shabu peddling, the head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) took a dig at critics  who had called on him last year to reveal the names of politicians involved in illegal drugs.

PDEA director general Arturo Cacdac Jr. said Friday publicizing the names of such personalities being monitored by the agency would affect the operation against them.

“This is what I am talking about. PDEA does not go about publicizing its target list because this is considered as intelligence material,” Cacdac said.

This came after Geodeguil Ursal, 32, an incumbent provincial board member of Misamis Oriental, was arrested for reportedly selling shabu in Cagayan de Oro on Wednesday.

“Ursal is ranked (third) in the list of drug personalities of Northern Mindanao and a high-value target of PDEA. PDEA was hot on his trail for his notoriety in illegal drug activities in Region 10, particularly in the province of Misamis Oriental,” Cacdac said.

In November, Cacdac said there were a total of 53 politicians all over the country involved in illegal drug activities, prompting some to challenge the PDEA chief to reveal their names.