Pubdate: Sun, 18 Jul 2004 Source: Sun.Star Cebu (Philippines) Section: Speak Out Copyright: 2004 Sun.Star Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1690 Author: Gaudencio Pagaling, Jr. Note: Superintendent Gaudencio Pagaling, Jr. is the Regional Director Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 7 Speak Out ANTI-PDEA TEXT MESSAGE There is a text message being circulated throughout the country by still unidentified persons. The message goes this way: "Beware of PDEA cops. They block your front back and both side of your car. Approach you with gun and warrant. If you open your door or window he will blindfold you and plant shabu and ask ransom in exchange for your freedom. Please pass if you`re a concerned citizen." The said text message is a part of smear campaign against the image of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and is designed to destroy the unblemished reputation of a credible agency amidst the effort to accelerate war against illegal drugs. The text message is a product of the sender's fertile imagination. We would like to inform the public that PDEA personnel did not conduct checkpoints and every anti-narcotics operation was covered by a pre-operation plan duly registered in the blotter so regularity in the performance of duty can be emphasized. PDEA officials are very particular with discipline and never tolerate nefarious activities of any personnel. And the public is encouraged to report to higher authorities any form of abusive conduct and illegal activities of any PDEA personnel so that drastic action can be taken right away. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D