Republic of the Office of the President PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY NIA Northside Road, National Government Center Pinyahan, City PRESS RELEASE: 557/16 DATE : December 7, 2016 AUTHORITY : ISIDRO S LAPEÑA, PhD, CSEE Director General For more information, comments and suggestions please call: DERRICK ARNOLD C. CARREON, CESE, Director, Public Information Office Tel. No. 929-3244, 927-9702 Loc.131; Cell phone: 09159111585

PDEA THANKS ISLAND REGION MAYORS FOR P3 MILLION SUPPORT

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) expressed its appreciation for the financial assistance extended by mayors of the Region (NIR), for the construction of the agency’s regional office in the region.

PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña personally received a check for P3 million, from Mayor Magdaleno Peña of , , representing the League of Mayors in the NIR, during simple rites on December 5, 2016 at the PDEA National Headquarters in .

“The budget will be used for the establishment of PDEA Negros Island Regional Office (NIRO) in Negros Occidental. Mayor Peña has pledged that the donation would not be the last. Rest assured that PDEA will forever treasure such generosity,” Lapeña said.

Aside from the P3 million grant, the mayors of NIR also donated one van, a 4x4 vehicle and two motorcycles to boost PDEA’s operational capability in NIR.

“We are fortunate that we have local chief executives like the mayors of NIR who are very supportive of the war against illegal drugs. The financial support will go a long way in boosting the anti-drug campaign in the region. Finally PDEA NIRO will have a permanent and decent home in Negros Occidental,” Lapeña said.

“The new building of PDEA NIRO will further accelerate and improve our delivery of public services in the provinces of Negros Occidental and . More centralized anti-drug efforts mean more effective drug law enforcement,” the PDEA chief added.

Previously, PDEA NIRO’s interim office was located at the old City Hall, Araneta Street corner Luzurriaga Street, Bacolod City.

NIR is the 18th region of the Philippines. The region is composed of the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental and all the cities, municipalities, barangays under their jurisdiction.

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