PDEA shifts into overdrive to end drug problem by 2022
WITH ten months left in the commitment of clearing the remaining drug-affected barangays, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) shifts into overdrive with a powerhouse Command Group.
PDEA boasts of a stellar lineup of leaders in a bid to beat the deadline of ending the drug problem by June 2022, as committed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to the Filipino people.
PDEA Director General Wilkins M Villanueva who is vested with the power to command the Agency, is assisted by two Deputies: the newly appointed Assistant Secretary Diosdado C Carreon, Deputy Director General for Administration (DDGA); and Assistant Secretary Gregorio R Pimentel, Deputy Director General for Operations (DDGO).
Villanueva is the ultimate expert in championing the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP)– the main strategy of the national anti-drug campaign that embodies a holistic and whole-of-nation approach in ridding illegal drugs in the communities.
The BDCP is the brainchild of Villanueva long before the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) adopted and made it as a Board Regulation.
“PDEA got a big boost from the recent appointment of Asec. Carreon, a retired Major General whose majority of stints came in Mindanao. He has something extra to bring to the table, taking along with him a ton of strategic military experience, intelligence and leadership to the organization,” Villanueva said.
On the other hand, Pimentel, a retired Police Major General who has been with PDEA for over two years now, is a seasoned and well-rounded expert in police operations and intelligence, having once served as Head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Intelligence.
“PDEA has a self-imposed countdown and is entering the homestretch. I firmly believe that no challenge is insurmountable. The Agency is surrounded by succeeders: dynamic leadership, and dedicated front liners and support personnel. We have what it takes to get the job done,” the PDEA Chief said.
As of July 31, 2021, there are 22,585 drug-cleared barangays with 12,731 yet to be cleared of illegal drugs.
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