President Rodrigo Duterte had named some of the former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) who were removed from their positions due to their connection to illegal drugs trade, and urged authorities concerned to remain vigilant as the fight against corrupt officials has only begun.
According to the president, some of them were former intelligence officers guilty of grave misconduct because of extortion and were even users of illegal drugs.
“Bantayan nito at baka ito na naman ang mag-umpisa ng droga. Iyan ang nakasanayan nila na trabaho and I can see a very strong urge on their part to get money, and alam nila pera iyan at sila na naman ang papalit,” Duterte said.
Some police officers were also involved in anomalous drug reporting, the president was recorded saying.
“Iyong sa pulis ang kalokohan nila diyan kung makakuha sila ng drugs, sabihin natin limang kilo, isang kilo ang report nila, tapos ang apat bitawan uli sa publiko, sa community, maraming cases na nangyari diyan. May mga generals pa.”
Duterte said these type of officials are the reason why he carefully picks who will lead police operations in the country, especially in Metro Manila.
