PDEA-Bohol raises concern on lack of funds
TAGBILARAN CITY , Philippines — Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) assigned here put their resourcefulness to the test with limited funds and logistics.
This was aired out by PDEA-Bohol head Ma. Chona Egam as she raised the concern on logistics during the monthly meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) on February 19 at the People’s Mansion.
“PDEA-Bohol provincial office is severely underfunded. We have problem on non-availability of vehicle that could be used during the conduct of operations, filing of cases, and remand of apprehended suspects,†said Egam.
Governor Edgar Chatto, who presided the PPOC meeting as chairman, made it known that since 2010 yet, when he assumed office as governor, the provincial government already assigned a vehicle to the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO), which the PDEA can utilize, considering the offer to accommodate the agency inside the compound of Camp Dagohoy.
The BPPO had even renovated a space in its building for PDEA-Bohol, including an office and a place for the latter’s personnel to stay. Being in the same compound, the BPPO and PDEA-Bohol can enhance their coordination during operations, the governor told Egam.
On the other hand, BPPO director Sr. Supt. Constantino Barot Jr. raised the concern on the delays in their operations brought about by the failure to immediately get search warrants on their subjects.
Most of the time, it would take a week or two to get a search warrant from court, he said. By then, the supply of illegal drugs that they tracked down would already be disposed by the suspected pusher. Then they have to wait for another occasion that they could chance upon on the suspects, he added.
The concern was recommended for discussion with the provincial prosecutor and the executive judge together with the members the PPOC’s special action committee. (FREEMAN)
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