DRUG

Providing information, Generating support, Mobilizing action TheUSTER Official Newsletter of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Against dangerous drugs Volumeb III Issue No. 1 1ST 100 days in Office

Change has come. Retired Police Deputy Director General Isidro S. Lapeña took oath before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on June 30, 2016 as head of the government’s lead agency against illegal drugs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). The retired Police General, who had spent over 17 years of his government service in Davao, considered it an honor to be hand-picked by the President to take charge of a very critical position expected to take actions on a priority concern of the Duterte Administration. “When [then] President-Elect [Duterte] informed me that I will head PDEA as its Director General, sometime during the last week of May, I felt very much honored to have been chosen to lead this agency, which will handle the top most concern of our President – that is the fight against illegal drugs,” said the newly appointed PDEA Director General, who holds a rank equivalent to a Cabinet Undersecretary level. continued on Page 2 2 1st 100 Days in Office 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 From Page 1 Change has Come Change of Command

Two days after the Cabinet Mass Oath-taking in Malacañan Palace, the men and women of PDEA expectantly gathered at the PDEA Gymnasium on July 2, 2016, awaiting the event that would unfold a new chapter in the history of the government’s lead anti-drug agency.

Two gentlemen, both molded by the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), stood side by side – one would step down after serving the Agency for almost four years, the other would take the first step of his journey as the fifth Director General of PDEA.

In a symbolic gesture, incoming PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña accepted the PDEA flag from his predecessor, outgoing Director General Arturo G. Cacdac, Jr. This signified the change of command in the Agency that would “handle the top most concern of the President”.

“Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. Maayong buntag sa tanan. Palaging dinudugtong namin yung Cebuano greeting (Good morning to everyone. We always add our greeting in Cebuano)…that’s how we do it in Davao.

I originally hailed from Urdaneta, [Pangasinan], but I have served in Davao for many years that I have come to love it as my second home,” said Lapeña, officially commencing his first speech as the PDEA Director General.

At the onset, Lapeña congratulated PDEA for its accomplishments under Cacdac for a job well done. He, then, extended warm appreciation to his friends who came all the way from Pangasinan, La Union and Davao who showed their support. He also acknowledged the members of the security group, whom he had the opportunity of having worked with, during the presidential campaign period. ä 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 1st 100 Days in Office 3 Change has Come Marching Order

It would be reckoned that President Duterte, during most of his public addresses, has identified illegal drugs as one of the top three problems – together with corruption and criminality – that continue to “bedevil our country today”.

In his speech, Usec. Lapeña reiterated the public pronouncements and the very strong warning issued by President Duterte against personalities behind the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.

“The President has been very vocal on how he feels about illegal drugs. He had imposed it upon himself to do the maximum, everything that can be done to suppress [illegal] drugs. So, taking my cue, I believe that was my marching order: to lead PDEA in suppressing illegal drugs under the Duterte Administration,” the new PDEA Director General said.

Deadline to Beat

Recognizing the urgency set by the Duterte Administration to suppress illegal drugs in fulfillment of the President’s “promise” during his campaign, Usec. Lapeña said he had requested for a briefing with the former PDEA Director General prior to the ceremonial turn-over of command.

“I have a tight deadline to meet. And I had to start the ball rolling to be able to launch a relentless and sustained anti-drug campaign so I can help the President deliver his promise to the people,” the PDEA Chief said.

Lapeña said the briefing confirmed earlier statements of President Duterte that the drug situation in the country is indeed “very critical”. The PDEA chief cited the thousands of drug personalities, both users and pushers, who have voluntarily surrendered to government even before the President officially assumed office, to validate the statement of the Commander-In-Chief. Usec. Lapeña further verified reports concerning the drug situation in rural areas where people go the extent of exchanging farm animals just to be able to purchase illegal drugs.

“…and so I analyzed our [PDEA’s] efforts and our accomplishments against the [current] drug situation. While we have posted notable accomplishments along drug supply reduction, the cry of our people at the grassroots is that the proliferation of illegal drugs is still rampant in the community,” Lapeña said.

‘How We Did It in Davao’

A proud Davaoeño at heart, Lapeña could not help but cite the tough anti-drug efforts implemented in Davao City that began when President Duterte was still the “Father of Davao City”.

“Under then Mayor [Duterte], we implemented strict law enforcement against illegal drug activities in Davao City. In fact [up to now], if you will deal [with] illegal drugs in there, ang term doon ay para ka na ring nag-suicide (it is as if you committed suicide). At the same time, we give equal importance to drug demand reduction. We have a government-run rehabilitation center in Davao City na paglabas ng isang victim o drug user, ay nagiging productive citizen siya (where a victim or a drug user emerges as a productive citizen),” the PDEA chief stated. continued on Page 4 4 1st 100 Days in Office 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 From Page 3 Change has Come Lapeña was referring to the Davao City Treatment Lapeña explained that while PDEA and other law and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents (DCTRCDD), a enforcement agencies take charge of the supply reduction aspect 1.2-hectare compound in Barangay Bago Oshiro, completely of the anti-drug campaign, complementary actions must come being financed and managed by the local government of Davao from other concerned government agencies to spearhead drug City. demand reduction efforts.

According to Lapeña, the management of the DCTRDC “When we reduce market, there must be a parallel effort was turned over by the Department of Social Welfare and to reduce demand. That way, our demand reduction [efforts] will Development (DSWD) to the Davao City local government in 2001 complement our supply reduction [efforts]. And it will involve under then Mayor Rody Duterte who allotted P12 million pesos inter-agency action to address the drug problem in its totality. from the local fund to facilitate the repair of the treatment and While we conduct high-value operations (HIOs) to nail high-value rehabilitation facility for drug dependents under his jurisdiction. targets (HVTs) other agencies should complement our efforts by initiating efforts in the field of treatment and rehabilitation. To date, the city government shoulders the monthly Of course, all of these have to be under the umbrella of PDEA cost for the treatment and rehabilitation of the patients being because we are the lead agency as far as the drug problem is admitted to DCTRDC amounting to P1.5 million. This includes concerned,” Lapeña said. after-care and follow-up treatment. DCTRDC has a capacity to accommodate 100 patients a year. The PDEA chief also did not discount the participation of the stakeholders in the grassroots in the war that the President has “The President wants to replicate and expand what is waged against drugs. Being a seasoned officer whose experience being done in Davao. And that is precisely what I intend to do,” includes fighting criminality and communist insurgency, Lapeña Lapeña said. is aware that law enforcers cannot do it alone. He acknowledged the need to mobilize the community and maximize “people’s Addressing the participation” to ensure the success of the government’s anti- drug campaign. Problem in Totality “While the President has openly declared his intense The new PDEA Director General believes that commitment to get rid of the drug menace, it should not be a one- collaborative efforts from different government agencies is man-battle. We should be with him to form an anti-drug army required to “address the drug problem in its totality” to ensure – uncompromising and unrelenting. Our battle cry should be: the success of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs. Duterte, Ikaw at Ako Laban sa Droga,” Lapeña said.

With the cooperation of all concerned government agencies and the active involvement of the community, the new PDEA Director General is optimistic that the President’s marching order to “stop the drug problem by all means that the law allows” is doable under the operational supervision of PDEA. ● edja 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Operational Accomplishments 5 FIRST DAYS IN OFFICE: A Promise100 Unfolding

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s political will and his strong pronouncement against dangerous drugs radically revolutionized the government’s fight against illegal drugs.

First 100 Days: Summary of Anti-Drug Accomplishments June 30 to Oct 7, 2016

Particulars

Operations Conducted 7,928 Driven by the Duterte Administration’s clear policy Persons Arrested 8,428 direction and assured of the President’s support, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other law enforcement agencies Drug Cases Filed In Court 7,002 like the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Value Seized of Drugs and CPECs P8.21 billion Investigation (NBI), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Bureau Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Philippine Army (PA) have been bold in asserting and enforcing Republic Act 9165 or the String of Shabu-Making Facilities Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2992.

Barely five days after Isidro S. Lapeña took oath before the President as the fifth Director General of PDEA, the string of remarkable anti-drug accomplishments began with the dismantling of two illegal facilities used in manufacturing shabu and storing chemicals were consecutively dismantled – all in a day’s work.

Armed with a search warrant, joint elements of PDEA and the Philippine National Police (PNP) raided a shabu laboratory in Las Piñas City, on July5, 2016, that has the capacity to manufacture 60 kilos of shabu in one cycle. Two Taiwanese, suspected to be chemists responsible for cooking shabu, were arrested and almost 310 kilos of finished products, chemicals and laboratory equipment worth P1.55 billion were confiscated. On the same day, another Taiwanese was arrested when authorities raided a chemical warehouse in Parañaque City which yielded 7.48 kilos of shabu in finished form and 322.37 milliliters hydrochloric acid worth P56.76 million. Authorities believe that the two illegal facilities had connected operations. These are the products of the series of successful operations conducted under the “OPLAN Firstblood” formulated to discover and dismantle facilities used by drug syndicates in the manufacture of shabu.

On July 11, the first floating shabu laboratory recorded in the Philippines was dismantled jointly by PDEA and the PNP off-shore in Calapandayan, Subic, Zambales. Four Hong Kong nationals – three of them, first timers in the Philippines – aboard the fishing vessel that doubled up as a floating shabu laboratory were arrested. A set of hydrogenator used to manufacture shabu and 500 grams of finished product were recovered from the floating laboratory.

Another joint operation by PDEA and PNP on August 20, resulted in the discovery of an abandoned shabu laboratory in Brgy. Apolonia, Samson, Quezon City. The said laboratory has the capacity to produce around 200 kilos of shabu on a weekly basis. Authorities were able to recover laboratory equipment and 26.76 kilos of sodium acetate, a chemical used in manufacturing shabu. 6 Operational Accomplishments 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 From Page 5 first 100 days in office Two more large-scale shabu laboratory were dismantled by authorities in Pampanga in the month of September. PDEA and PNP jointly served a search warrant against a property in San Ildefonso, Magalang, Pampanga on September 7. An underground laboratory, discovered beneath a piggery warehouse, yielded some 468 grams of shabu and 20 kilos of ephedrine along with various chemicals and laboratory equipment worth P8.36 million. Seven Chinese – including the chemist and financier – were arrested during the operation. The said shabu laboratory is one of the five- network facilities believed to be supplying drugs in Luzon.

Soon after on September 22, in a nearby town in Arayat, Pampanga, the local government through Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino, reported to PDEA the discovery by the Regional Bureau of Fire Protection of a piggery and corn-milling facility suspected to be used in manufacturing shabu. Upon inspection the property yielded seven industrial distillators, reaction mixers, and combustion towers. This led PDEA to classify the property as an industrial-scale laboratory with a capacity to produce 100 kilos of shabu.

First 100 Days: Dismantled Clandestine Laboratory & Chemical Warehouse June 30 to Oct 7, 2016 Result of Operation Date Facility Dismantled Location Drug Evidence Value in Php Arrested Shabu laboratory 21 Philaamlife Village, 309.93 kilos of shabu, chemicals Jul 5 P1.55 Billion 2 Taiwanese (industrial-type) Pamplona Dos, Las Piñas City and laboratory equipment Unit 1D, Executive Villagers 7.48 kilos of shabu and 322.37 Jul 5 Chemical warehouse P56.76 Million 1 Taiwanese Society, P- 5, Parañaque City ml hydrochloric acid Floating shabu Subic Bay, Calapandayan, Subic, Jul 11 500 grams of shabu P1.356 Million 4 laboratory Zambales Abandoned shabu C7 Christian St., Grace Village, chemicals and laboratory Aug 20 P55,475.75 - laboratory Apolonia Samson, Quezon City equipment Shabu laboratory 468 grams of shabu, 20 kilos of 7 Chinese (including Purok 5, Balitucan, San Sep 7 (beneath a piggery ephedrine, various chemicals P8.36 MIllion suspected chemist Ildefonso, Magalang, Pampanga warehouse) and laboratory equipment and financier) Shabu laboratory Brgy. Lacquios, Arayat, Sep 22 disguised as piggery Industrial laboratory equipment P231,750.00 1 Chinese Pampanga (industrial-type) 11 High-Value TOTAL P2.22 Billion Targets

Seized in Bulks

In related developments, anti-drug operations conducted by authorities successfully recovered big bulks of shabu. On July 3, combined elements of PDEA, PNP, and Bureau of Customs (BOC) recovered 180 kilos of shabu worth P900 million in an abandoned farm in Claveria, Cagayan. On August 5, some 36 kilos of shabu worth P106 million was confiscated and one Chinese was arrested after PDEA and PNP raided a warehouse in Malabañas, Angeles City, Pampanga. On August 10, a search warrant served jointly by PDEA and PNP against the residence of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa yielded 11.47 kilos of shabu approximately worth P92 million. ä 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Operational Accomplishments 7 first 100 days in office

Ecstasy in bulks were likewise recovered arising from buy-bust operations. On August 25, two distributors of ecstasy were nabbed by PDEA at California Garden Square in Mandaluyong City. The suspects yielded 840 tablets of the party drug worth P1 million. On September 8, another distributor was arrested by PDEA who yielded 212 tablets of ecstasy.

Intercepted Drugs

The dismantling of shabu laboratories successfully disrupted the local production of shabu and the big bulk of finished products confiscated by authorities. It compelled drug syndicates to smuggle shabu and other drugs into the Philippines to guarantee supply in the local drug market. This became evident with the consecutive interdiction of shabu, cocaine, and ecstasy at the various international airports and the parcel system from July to October 2016.

On June 20, collaborative efforts by PDEA, BOC, and the PNP Aviation Group at the Mactan- Cebu International Airport resulted in the apprehension of a Chinese female from Hong Kong for transporting 3.87 kilos of shabu worth P5 million. On August 24, the BOC turned-over to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Group (NAIA- IADITG) a parcel intercepted at the NAIA Center Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) containing 1,962 tablets of ecstasy worth P2.35 million. On August 28, the Clark Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Group headed by PDEA arrested a 68-year old American female for transporting 2.34 kilos of cocaine worth P11.69 million. On September 14, the BOC intercepted another parcel containing 4,514 tablets of ecstasy, this time from the Netherlands. On October 2, a Filipino from Brazil was nabbed at the NAIA by elements of the NAIA-AIDITG after he yielded 4.44 kilos of cocaine. On October 5, a Russian and two Hong Kong nationals from Dubai were apprehended by the NAIA-IADITG for transporting a total of 27.9 kilos of cocaine.

First 100 Days: Summary of Dangerous Drugs Seized Nationwide by PDEA and Other Law Enforcement Agencies June 30 to Oct 7, 2016 Recovered Chemicals Type of Drugs Volume Value in Php Meanwhile, various chemicals used in manufacturing Shabu 573.95 kilos P 2.75 Billion shabu were recovered by authorities along express ways Marijuana 558.96 kilos 70.76 Million and high ways in eight separate instances: five along Subic- Ecstasy 12,014 tablets 15.62 Million Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX); 2 along Tarlac-La Union Expressway; and one along Sta. Marcela, Apayao road. Cocaine 34.39 kilos 162.06 Million TOTAL 3 Billion

Closed-Down Drug Dens

While extensive operations against the local production and smuggling of dangerous drug are being undertaken by authorities, parallel efforts are being conducted to neutralize the operation of drug dens nationwide to disrupt distribution and sale of drugs to end- users. Drug dens are considered as one-stop-shops that facilitate sale of dangerous drugs and provide convenient place for clients while consuming the illegal items they bought.

For the period in review, a total of 25 drug dens that aggregately yielded P4 million worth of shabu were closed down and 242 drug personalities – including operators, clients and visitors – were arrested. continued on Page 8 8 Operational Accomplishments 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 From Page 7 first 100 days in office Destroyed Plantation Sites

To address cultivation of marijuana, a total of28 eradication operations were conducted by PDEA and other law enforcement agencies. As a result, 80 marijuana plantation sites – with a total land area of 658.26 hectares – were cleared and more than 24 million marijuana plants worth P4.79 billion were uprooted and destroyed.

The biggest series of marijuana eradication operation was conducted under OPLAN: Green Leaf and OPLAN: Green Chill from August 5 to 27. Under the two OPLANs, a total of 15 eradication operations were conducted in Brgy. Loccong, Tinglayan in Kalinga, that led to the recovery of 525 kilos of dried marijuana leaves and the uprooting of 21.68 million marijuana plants worth P4.41 billion. The series of operations successfully cleared 489.46 hectares covering 45 marijuana plantation sites.

Arrested High-Value Targets First 100 Days: Arrested High-Value-Targets June 30 to Oct 7, 2016 High-Value-Targets (HVTs) refer to drug Leaders and Members of Drug Groups 32 personalities included in the target list such as leaders Leaders and Members of Armed Groups 13 and members of drug groups; government officials; Government Officials 73 members of law enforcement units; foreign nationals; members of international drug syndicates; leaders - Elected Officials 25 and members of armed groups; and other well-known - Law Enforcers 11 personalities. - Government Employees 37 Foreign Nationals 32 In compliance to the directive of the new PDEA Other Prominent Personalities 388 Director General, all PDEA operating units concentrated on the conduct of high-impact operations which TOTAL 538 resulted in the arrest of HVTs nationwide.

Three notorious drug lords were placed behind bars: the Mindanao Shabu Queen and leader of the Abinal Drug Group operating in the National Capital Region (NCR), CALABARZON, Central Visayas, Northern and Southern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, CARAGA, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); a Chinese drug lord involved in the operation of two shabu laboratories disovered by authorities in Tanza, Cavite and in Quezon City; and the leader of the Cabrera Drug Group operating in CARAGA who happens to be married to an incumbent Barangay Kagawad.

Nine members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) together with their commander and a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group-Urban Terrorist Group who is also an incumbent Barangay Kagawad were also arrested by authorities in separate operations.

Elected local government officials involved in the drug trade were not accorded preferential treatment: one incumbent Mayor, one incumbent Vice Mayor, six Barangay Chairman, and 17 Barangay Kagawad. Even unscrupulous law enforcers were not spared from the long arms of the law that they themselves should be implementing: three from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); 6 from the PNP; and 2 members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

continued on Page 21 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Direct from the Director General 9 THE CHANGE: With Us and In Us “ eal change… R this is the goal of our governance.” I can still hear these words – uttered in Cebuano with conviction – by none other than our President, Rodrigo Roa Duterte himself, during his inauguration in Malacañan on June 30, 2016.

As the new Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), it is my duty to steer the government’s lead anti-drug agency towards that direction, towards real change. And change, to be inclusive and significant – I have to agree with the President – must start with us and in us.

The change “with us”

Optimizing bottom-up approach management

To be able to steer PDEA in the right direction, I prioritized and personally visited the PDEA regional offices to know the situation on the ground: to check on the implementation of national anti-drug initiatives; to identify regional concerns and challenges; and to determine appropriate support that will enable them to deliver expected outputs. After two months and 14 days, I finally completed my rounds of the PDEA regional offices.

From my regional visits, I was able to see the gaps that have to be addressed to ensure the successful implementation of anti-drug strategies. First, I recognized the need for the efficient and effective resource allocation for all operating units. I have already implemented modification in the present budget allocation based on performance targets. Emanating from my consultations with the Regional Offices, I have directed all concerned national offices to expand further the present parameters in the allocation of funds to better provide for the specific requirements of all operating units.

I also saw the need to adequately meet the manpower requirement of the regional offices. So, I have issued a directive for the review of the PDEA organizational structure and staffing pattern to determine the ideal manpower complement of the Agency in relation with the career path of each personnel – both in the regions and the national office.

I further observed the need for necessary legal tools to successfully implement the Agency’s mandate as the lead anti-drug agency. I have made representations to Congress for the enactment of appropriate laws and amendments to some of the existing provisions of RA 9165. This intends to provide beneficial legal environment to enable PDEA operating units and all drug enforcement units of other law enforcement agencies to productively enforce the anti-drug law.

Under my term, I assure the PDEA Regional Offices and operating units of enhanced support so you can do your work better. But in return, I expect more from you.

Meanwhile, I give my word to everyone that your recommendations and feedback will be properly considered in the improvement and preparation of development plans and programs of the Agency under my leadership. I am enjoining all personnel to provide the management with important feedback and inputs that can help us make significant changes to improve the productivity of each personnel and enhance the services of the Agency to the public. continued on Page 10 10 Direct from the Director General 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 From Page 9 direct from the director general Prioritizing Personnel Welfare Comparing it with the same period last year, this year’s is remarkably 26.77% higher. Considering the risks faced by the operating units during the conduct of operations, I have requested for the allocation and In a span of three months, five clandestine laboratories immediate release of fund for their hazard pay. To date, all PDEA and one warehouse used for storing chemicals and equipment drug enforcement officers and chemists are already enjoying for manufacturing shabu were dismantled. This is the first time their retro-active hazard pay. that this happened in just one quarter. The volume of seized dangerous drugs – shabu, dried marijuana leaves, cocaine and I have also caused for the approval of the Operation: ecstasy – for the first 100 days in review increased compared “Lawmen” to provide monetary incentives to operating units. with the same period last year. Operation: “Lawmen” (OLM) is the counterpart of Operation: “Private Eye” (OPE). Both conform with the provision of Republic Dangerous Drugs Confiscated Comparative Table Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which authorizes the grant of rewards to any person providing Drug Evidence 2015 (3rdquarter) 2016 (3rd quarter) information (OPE) and to law enforcers participating in successful Shabu 82.56 kilos 573.95 kilos anti-drug operations (OLM) resulting in the: dismantling of Cocaine .0018 kilos 34.39 kilos clandestine laboratories and warehouses; eradication of Dried marijuana marijuana plantation sites; and the confiscation and recovery 55.09 kilos 558.96 kilos of dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential leaves chemicals (CPECs). The Guidelines in the Implementation of Ecstasy - tablets 12,014 tablets Operation: “Lawmen” was officially promulgated on August 3, 2016 – 35 days after I assumed office – as the first Board Regulation issued by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) for 2016. With the increase in volume of dangerous drugs seized, the value of drug and non-drug evidence (laboratory equipment, From Notable to Remarkable drug paraphernalia and others recovered during anti-drug operations) reached P8.21 billion – 151% more than the value PDEA has been leading the fight against illegal drugs for seized during the 182 days from January 1 to June 29, 2016. It 14 years now and notable accomplishments have been recorded. has already exceeded the yearly accomplishments from 2011 But notable – in the context of the President’s marching order to 2015. Consequently, the price range of shabu went up with for PDEA to stop the drug problem by all means that the law the drop in supply. From a range of P1,200 to P11,000 in June allows – does not satisfy what is required of us. That is why I 2106, the current price range of shabu per gram has risen to a have directed all PDEA operating units to double their targets for minimum of P1,200 to a maximum of P25,000. the second semester of 2016. One truly remarkable phenomenon is the mass Barely 100 days into office, remarkable improvements surrender of 733,635 drug personalities who voluntarily along supply reduction have already been posted. PDEA and submitted themselves to authorities. Never in the entire history other law enforcement agencies stepped up the conduct of of Philippine drug enforcement – or anywhere in the world – has ä anti-drug operations at 7,928 from June 30 to October 7, 2016. there been anything like this. 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Direct from the Director General 11 direct from the director general On the other hand, PNP’s Project Tokhang stands From exclusive to inclusive anti-drug efforts for “toktok” and “hangyo”, Cebuano words meaning knock and plead. PNP officers knock on the door of alleged drug While we continue to enhance our efforts on suppressing personalities, not to arrest but to encourage them to surrender the supply of dangerous drugs, I have issued a directive for the to authorities and stop their illegal activities. Tokhang affords conduct of intensified efforts on drug demand reduction. alleged drug personalities the chance to change their way of life. Our efforts to address the source must likewise be complemented by efforts to address the target market. While our drug enforcement officers conduct operations against drug groups and dismantle illegal facilities for the manufacture and distribution of drugs, programs for a massive anti-drug awareness drive must simultaneously be implemented. The concept is to “co-prevent” by addressing the problem both at the source and the market at the same time.

Meanwhile, the DDB Regulation on the drug-free workplace program requires both government and private establishments to formulate and carry out respective anti- drug abuse policies and programs to protect their workers and employees. PDEA shall lead the active implementation of the drug-free workplace policy, which calls for the mandatory drug- testing of all individuals employed in law enforcement agencies, other national government instrumentalities and the private establishments.

Finally, PDEA’s Dislike Drugs Campaign is an anti-drug advocacy project that takes after the popularity of a social To support the existing Barangay Drug-Clearing Program, networking site where virtual friends are allowed to express I see the MASA MASID (Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, what they feel about certain posts, status or page by clicking Mamamyang Ayaw sa Illegal na Droga) project of the Department appropriate emoticon buttons (such as thumbs up for like, smiley of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); the OPLAN Double for happy, teary face for sad, etc). The campaign conceptualized Barrel: Project Tokhang promoted by the Philippine National another button – the thumb-down – to convey dislike. The Dislike Police (PNP); the regulation issued by the DDB concerning Drugs Campaign literally intends to cultivate “dislike” for drugs the Drug-Free Workplace Program; and PDEA’s Dislike Drugs among students, teachers and parents and eventually generate Campaign in schools as an ideal integrated model for a multi- their support to mobilize them into action to achieve drug-free sectoral anti-drug approach to the drug problem. schools. PDEA, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) shall MASA MASID is a community-based multi-sectoral start the bandwagon in creating a drug-free learning environment approach to engage the people in the fight against criminality, for students. corruption and drugs in the community. Partnership between PDEA and DILG, through MASA MASID, shall greatly enhance people’s participation in bringing the anti-drug campaign to the community level, right down to their doorsteps. Through MASA MASID, local stakeholders, volunteers, civic organizations, faith-based organizations and private sectors shall be mobilized to: (1) support advocacy and education campaign; (2) gather anti-drug information; (3) share available local resources for the implementation of community-based rehabilitation programs; and (4) create enabling environment to encourage collaboration among community partners.

continued on Page 22 12 The Command Group 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 THE PILLARS of PDEA

DIRECTOR GENERAL ISIDRO S. LAPEÑA, PhD., CSEE I am grateful to have as my support system two gentlemen whom I have so much respect for. Both shaped by the Philippine Military Army (PMA) and honed by their experience in law enforcement, I have high hopes that their skills and commitment to their work, would complement each cluster – operations and administrative – towards the achievement of the change that we aspire to institute in PDEA and the government’s over-all campaign against illegal drugs.

MAJOR GENERAL JESUS A FAJARDO, AFP (Ret) Deputy Director General for Administration

He is a proud member of the PMA “Makatarungan” Class Branch of 801st Aviation Security Squadron, he led his team in the of ’78 and joined the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in 1979. He has a conduct of an interdiction operation at the Ninoy Aquino International Masters Degree in Military Operational Arts and Sciences from Airport in from 1986 to 1990 whichresulted in the arrest of many Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, USA. departing passengers and the confiscation of dangerous drugs.

He is a highly-decorated officer, who held various positions Operational level. As the Director for Intelligence, 205th Tactical in PAF, starting out as test pilot of the U-6A (Beaver) in 1980 and in Helicopter Wing, he led the implementation of Task Force Joshuaagainst the course of time rose the professional ladder as the Commander PAF personnel suspected of using drugs. Twice, he served as co-manager of the 2nd Air Division of the Air Force in Visayasas his last military ofOPLAN: Grasscutters 1 and 2 to eradicate marijuana plantation sites position before he retired in 2012. in the tri-boundaries of Abra, La Union and Benguet. He also rendered his service as pilot in ferrying uprooted marijuana plants and seedlings His involvement in drug enforcement from 1986 up to his from the plantation sites to San Fernando, La Union where the plants retirement in 2012 encompasses three levels of operations: were burned.

Tactical level. He was the helicopter pilot during the conduct of Strategic level. As Commander, 2nd Air Division, he led the planning and marijuana eradication operation in Mt. Chumanchill in Kalinga in implementation of Task Force Joshua covering all PAF personnel in the 1991. As Officer-In-Charge of the Intelligence and Investigation Visayas from June 2010 to January 2012.

P/CSUPERINTENDENT RICARDO C QUINTO, PNP (Ret) Deputy Director General for Operations

His professional endeavors – both in government service in the PNP from 1988 to 2003 such as the: WSC, CAPCOM; Taks Force and the private sector – required his specialization in the field of Paglalansag; and Task Force Diwalwal. His assignments in PNP brought operations, intelligence and investigation. him to southern Luzon in Aurora Police Provincial Office, to Zambales Provincial Office in the Northern Luzon. He was likewise given critical He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Military and Police positions in the PNP national head quarter as the Director for Logistic Science from the PMA in 1973, as a proud member of Class and Support Service and the Traffic Management Group. And finally, “Maagap”. He is a holder of a Masters Degree in Management from he was named Director of Regional Police 11 before he bid goodbye to the Philippine Christian University. police/military service in 2006 with the rank of a general.

He spent 27 years serving in the Philippine Constabulary He may have retired from the PNP but he continued to be a and then later in the Philippine National Police in his field of expertise civilian public servant at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) by: directing and supervising daily operations of the unit he headed, doing what he does best as the Chief of Intelligence and Investigation overseeing the implementation of existing laws, ensuring public Department from 2008 to 2009. safety and security, and maintaining peace and order. In 2009 to 2011, he started a career in a private company, He was designated as Commander of important Task Forces Steelasia Manufacturing Corporation as the Vice President for Security. 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Editorial 13 agents of Change The Duterte Administration, to many, has been viewed synonymously as the administration of change. Being one of the top three priorities of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the fight against drugs has placed the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) under the spotlight. The President wants a radical change – so he appointed an agent of change as the 5th PDEA Director General in the person of Retired Police Deputy Director General Isidro S. Lapeña to introduce “a new order of things” in the landscape of drug law enforcement. an agent as a catalyst that facilitate desired actions to achieve a goal. Now, being at the center of change, I believe the term Niccolo Machiavelli once said, “There is nothing more “agent” applies not only to drug enforcement officers but to difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, ormore all the men and women of PDEA – both officers and personnel, uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction whether admin or technical. It applies to you and me. of a new order of things. As agents of change, we have to take personal PDEA Director General Lapeña heeded the call of responsibility. For a long time, we have been clamoring for President Duterte to be that agent of change. But who will heed change. But change will not come on its own. We have to be the call of DG Lapeña to help him embrace that new order of the catalysts who would bring about the change that we desire things in PDEA? for PDEA – so that by 2020, PDEA can live up to being the highly credible and competent agency, composed of agents of change, In all the previous lecture-workshops I conducted for leading the citizenry towards a drug-free Philippines. agent-trainees on preventive education in relation to the anti- drug campaign as part of the DEOBC1 module, I would ask the 1Drug Enforcement Officers Basic Course, a six-month training conducted at the agent-trainees: “What is an agent?” Meriam Webster defines PDEA Academy intended for aspiring PDEA agents.

PUBLISHER: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency PDEA Bldg., NIA Northside Road, National Government, Center,BarangayPinyahan, Diliman, Quezon City 1100 www.pdea.gov.ph / (02) 927-9702

EDITORIAL BOARD

Chairman of the Board Providing information, ISIDRO S. LAPEÑA, PhD, CSEE, Director General, PDEA Generating support, Mobilizing action Vice-Chair Vice-Chair Against dangerous drugs JESUS A. FAJARDO, MMOAS RICARDO C. QUINTOS, MGM Deputy Director General for Administration Deputy Director General for Operations

DRUG EDITORIAL ADVISERS GLADYS ROSALES, Director III Plans & Operations Service; RANDY PEDROSO, Director III Intelligence & Investigation Service ROSIELYN BORJA, Director III Internal Affairs Service; Donelyn Hemedes, Director II Admin & Human Resources Service DERRICK ARNOLD CARREON, Director III Preventive Educ. & Community Involvement Service/Public Information Office TheUSTER Official Newsletter of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency b MARLA BRIGITTE GALVAN, Chief, Internal Affairs Division, Office of the Director General CONSULTANT ARNEL A NOVICIO, Office of the Director General

EDITOR IN CHIEF EVANGELINE DJ ALMENARIO, Office of the Director General

ASSOCIATE EDITOR PAULO VICTOR DACULLA, National Capital Regional Office WRITERS/RESEARCHERS EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Glenn Malapad, Public Information Office Elmer Allan Morales, Michael Anthony Lim, Yvonne Balares,Plans & Operations Service Gilford Entroliso & Ma. Judith Velasco Odessa Woods, PDEA Academy Internal Audit Division, Office of the Director General Shiela Valmoria, Public Information Office ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHERS Daniel Donovan Concepcion, Legal & Prosecution Service Peter Mar Laborosa, Office of the Director General; Charlie Magno, National Capital Regional Office 14 Enabling Policy Environment for Anti-Drug Strategies 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Adapting to Change: Strengthening Anti-Drug Policies

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has been known for his hard-line stance against illegal drugs. Under the Duterte Administration, the fight against illegal drugs became a war – a war that prompted vigorous response from concerned government instrumentalities. To sustain this war, the is a need to continuously enable policy environment to support anti-drug strategies that are responsive to the demands of the “changing” landscape of the Philippine drug enforcement system. Three new regulations sponsored by the Dangerous Drugs Board Supply Reduction Committee (DDB-SRC), chaired by the Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Isidro S. Lapeña, were approved by the Board during the its regular meeting on August 3, 2016.

Operation: Lawmen

DDB Regulation No. 1, series of 2016 entitled, Guidelines The guidelines provide for the amount of reward – ranging from in the Implementation of Operation: Lawmen, gave additional P1,000 to a maximum P2 million – in view of the corresponding motivation to law enforcers in the performance of their duties result of the anti-drug operation. as they risk their lives in the fight againstillegal drugs. This runs in conformity with the provision of Republic Act 9165 or the Reclassification of Drug-Affected Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 on the Grant of Compensation, Reward and Award. Operation: Lawmen, is an Barangays incentive program formulated specifically for law enforcers or members of anti-illegal drug units/teams or task forces including DDB Regulation No. 2, series of 2016 provides for the the support unit/s involved in the conduct of meritorious anti- reassessment and reclassification of drug-affected barangays. It drug operations. The following are classified as meritorious anti- amended DDB Regulation No. 2. Series of 2007 that provides for drug operations: controlled delivery; eradication;interdiction; the revised guidelines in the conduct of barangay drug-clearing interception, checkpoint, inspection or search and seizure operations. in detention, jail, correctional or prison facility; and other legitimate operations leading in the discovery and dismantling Under the previous board regulation, a barangay is of clandestine laboratories and chemical warehouses; clearing of considered drug-affected by existence of drug user, pusher, marijuana cultivation sites; the confiscation of dangerous drugs manufacturer, marijuana cultivator, or other drug personality in and controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs) and the barangay regardless of number without due consideration on laboratory equipment; and the arrest of target personalities/ the gravity of affectation. violators. Classification of Drug-Affected Barangays Bonafide members of the following government agency Classification Description or support units exercising law enforcement functions are entitled to a reward or award under the Operation: Lawmen Seriously has reported presence of at least 1 clandestine program: PDEA; Philippine National Police (PNP); National Affected drug laboratory or marijuana plantation in the community, reported presence of more than Bureau of Investigation (NBI); Bureau of Customs (BoC); Food 20% of the barangay’s total population as drug and Drug Administration (FDA); Bureau of Immigration (BI); personalities and reported presence of 3 or more Office of Transportation Security (OTS); Land Transportation drug dens or “tiangges” Office (LTO); Philippine Coast Guard (PCG); PNP-Maritime Unit; Moderately has reported presence of 2% to 20% of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); Philippine Affected barangay’s total population as drug personalities. Ports Authority (PPA); Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA); Slightly has reported presence of less than 2% of total Bureau of Corrections (BuCor); and Bureau of Jail Management; Affected barangay population as drug personalities and Penology (BJMP).

Reward Table for Dismantled Shabu Laboratories The amended board regulation, on the other hand, Classification Production Capacity Reward classifies drug-affected barangays according to the degree of Less than 10 kilos per P500,000 + affectation to provide a clearer view of the drug problem in Small-scale batch computed reward the community. This allows the local government units and 10 kilos or more but law enforcement units to formulate policies and appropriate P1 million + Medium-scale less than 50 kilos per strategies in clearing drug-affected barangays. computed reward batch 50 kilos per batch or P1.5 million + Large-scale more computed reward continued on Page 35 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Integrity & Credibility Building 15 DESTROYED BY CHANGE: Instruments of Destruction Turn to Ashes

Basic chemistry teaches us that chemical change brings about irreversible transformation in the composition of substances that destroys its original structure to create at least a new substance.

This same principle takes the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to an accredited facility by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) every time an order for destruction of drug evidence is issued by the courts – to destroy dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs) and reduce them to ashes.

Exactly 11 days after he assumed office, Undersecretary Isidro S. Lapeña, PDEA Director General,led the destruction of P1.77B worth of drug evidenceon July 14, 2016, at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. (IWMI) in TreceMartirez City, Cavite. These are drugs and CPECs under the custody of PDEA that have been declared as ‘no longer needed in court as evidence’.

Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, the Chief of the Philippine National Police, graced the ceremony as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. Representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), elected officials from Brgy. Aguado and the City of TreceMartirez in Cavite, partners from non-government organizations and media were likewise invited to witness the destruction of drug evidence.

“We want the public to witness how we destroy the evidence confiscated by drug law enforcers. We want to allay people’s apprehension, correct public notion, that confiscated drugs are being recycled back into the streets,” UsecLapeña said.

continued on Page 24 16 Operational Accomplishments 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 MAKING THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS FELT IN THE COMMUNITIES TOP 10 IN 100: Suppressing Supply of Drugs Through Conduct of High-Impact-Operations and Arresting High-Value-Targets TOP 1 - Dynamic Duo (Pamplona Dos, Las Piñas City – July 5, 2016) Two Taiwanese – Tsaai Shih Ming and Cheng Kuo-Chuan – suspected chemists of a shabu laboratory in Philamlife Village, were arrested by operatives of PDEA National Capital Regional Office (PDEA-NCRO) under Dir. Wilkins Villanueva. Recovered from the dismantled shabu lab were 309 kilos of shabu, assorted chemicals and laboratory equipment worth P1.2 billion.

ills habu-lab at the footh TOP 2 - S President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and (Arayat, Pampanga – September 22, 2016) party, composed of the PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, Arayat Municipal Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino, and PNP Chief Gen. Ronald Dela Rosa, inspect the shabu laboratory at the foot of Mt. Arayat – so far, declared as the biggest one in the country for having the capacity to produce 100 kilos of shabu in one day. The facility – declared as a piggery and corn oil processing plant – was discovered by a team from the local government while conducting fire safety and sanitary inspection. A follow-up operation resulted in the arrest of a Chinese national, identified as Wen Zheng. TOP 3 - Underground work (Magalang, Pampanga – September 7, 2016) ers arrested for operating an underground shabu Twolaboratory of the sevenin San ChineseIldefonso, nationals Balitucan, lead the way to their working place beneath a piggery and poultry farm warehouse. Said facility – dismantled by joint elements of PDEA Regional Office 3 under Dir. Emerson Margate and Police Regional Office 3 – yielded 468 grams of shabu, 20 kilos of ephedrine, assorted chemicals and various laboratory equipment.

bu TOP 4 - Unearthed sha PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña and (Claveria, Cagayan – July 3, 2016) PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa – together with PDEA Deputy Director General for Operations Ricardo Quinto – present to the public the 180 kilos of shabu worth P900 million that were unearthed in an abandoned property in Brgy. Culao by agents of PDEA Regional Office 2 under Dir. Derrick Arnold Carreon, PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (PNP-AIDG), the Bureau of Customs, and Police Provincial Office 2.

TO P 5 - Fallen drug lord in the city of angels (Angeles City, Pampanga – August 5, 2016) Chinese national, Yiye Chen, sits quietly on the side while a PDEA agent conducts inventory of the packs of shabu confiscated by elements of PDEA-RONCR under Dir. Wilkins Villanueva, PDEA RO3 under Dir. Emerson Margate, PNP AIDG, and Police Regional Office 3 as a result of the implementation of a search warrant conducted in an apartment in Hensonville, Malabañas. The fallen drug lord yielded 36.58 kilos of shabu worth 106 million. 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Operational Accomplishments 17 MAKING THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS FELT IN THE COMMUNITIES Suppressing Supply of Drugs Through Conduct of High-Impact-Operations and Arresting High-Value-Targets

ng shabu-lab TOP 6 - First floati A 50-meter fishing vessel along the coast of (Subic, Zambales – July 11, 2016) Calapandayan was raided by joint operatives of PDEA Regional Office 3 under Dir. Emerson Margate, Police Provincial Office 3, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI). The vessel, believed to be manufacturing and distributing shabu in Luzon, yielded 500 grams of shabu worth P2.5 million and a hydrogenator set with a capacity to produce 50 kilograms of shabu in one production cycle. Four Chinese nationals – identified as Wing Fai Lo, Shu Folk Leung, Kam Wah Kwok, and Kwok Tung Chan – aboard the vessel were arrested.

TOP 7 - ''Anybody Home?'' (Apolonio Samson, Quezon City – August 20, 2016) them when agents of PDEA-NCRO headed by Dir. WilkinsNo one Villanueva was home and to Quezonwelcome City Police District under PSSupt Guillermo Eleazar served a search warrant against a townhouse in Grace Village reportedly rented by a Chinese. Assorted chemicals and laboratory apparatus were recovered in the illegal facility that has the capacity to produce 200 kilos of shabu in one week.

hill 45 TOP 8 - C Forty-five marijuana plantation sites (Tinglayan, Kalinga – August 5-27, 2016) covering 49.1 hectares were cleared as a result of OPLAN: Green Chill implemented by PDEA-CAR under Dir. Juvenal Azurin with the support of the local police and the Philippine Army. More than 21 million fully-grown marijuana plants were uprooted and 525 kilos of dried marijuana leaves were recovered worth P4.4 billion. TOP 9 - Three's a crowd (Andrews Avenue, Pasay City – October 5, 2016) Manila via Dubai – Chan Kawai and Pau Homanevan,Three both foreigners Hong Kong from nationals, Brazil to together with Kirdyushkin Yuri, Russian – were arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) after their baggage yielded P134 million worth of cocaine: 25.4 kilos powder and 2.2 liters liquid.

y in toys TOP 10 - Ecstas Five parcels the from Netherlands (Port Area, Manila – September 14, 2016) declared as toys at the Central Post Office were discovered to contain 4,514 tablets of ecstasy worth P7.5 million. The parcels, consigned to Don Arnold and Martin Domingo, were intercepted through the joint efforts of the Bureau of Customs in coordination with PDEA. 18 Operational Accomplishments 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 REGIONAL ROUND-UP NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

Marikina City – July 12, 2016. A Nigerian national, suspected to be a member of the African Drug Syndicate (ADS), was apprehended by the joint efforts of the PDEA Regional Office-National Capital Region Office (RO-NCR), under Dir. Wilkins Villanueva, and PDEA Regional Office 3, through a buy-bust operation conducted in a resto-bar along Sumulong Highway in barangay Sto. Niño. The suspect, identified as Ejike Okoye alias Martin, yielded 300 grams of shabu worth P1.05 million.

Valenzuela City – July 22, 2016. Joint operatives of the PDEA Special Enforcement Service (SES), under Dir. Ismael Fajardo, and the Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drug Group (PNP-AIDG) served a search warrant against a suspected clandestine laboratory in Valenzuela City. A total of 12 kilos of shabu were recovered from the illegal facility. Five Chinese nationals – identified as Xu Yng Lei, He Xiong Bo, HeXiao Zheng, He Hao, and Xu Ying Mei – who were in the property at the time of the operation, were arrested. Meanwhile, another Chinese national, identified as Mico Tan, was killed during the operation as he tried to elude arrest.

REGION 1 - ILOCOS REGION

Dagupan City – August 2, 2016. A buy-bust operation conducted by PDEA Regional Office 1 under Director Jeoffrey Tacio in collaboration with the Dagupan City Police Station, the Criminal Investigation Group (CIDG)Pangasinan, Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (RAIDSOTG) Regional Office 1, Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (PAIDSOTG) Pangasinan, resulted in the neutralization of a drug den in Sitio Aling, Brgy. Pantal. The drug den maintainer identified as Renato Liwanag, and five customers inside the illegal drug facilities identified as Jonald Rosario, Manny Santos, Darwin Bato, Christian de Vera and Michelle Miramis. Operatives confiscated 54 grams of shabu and assorted drug paraphernalia.

CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

Benguet, Kalinga and Bakun – July 9-September 15, 2016. Aside from Oplan: Green Chill, PDEA-CAR under Dir Director Juvenal Azurin in coordination and collaboration with the local police and the Philippine Armyth (50 Infantry Battalion) conducted seven more marijuana eradication operations in different locations in Benguet, Kalinga, and Bakun. These resulted in the clearing of 33 plantation sites covering a land area of 126,627 square meters that led to the destruction of fully grown marijuana plants, seedlings, and seeds worth P279.35 million.

REGION 2 - CAGAYAN VALLEY

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – July 13, 2016. Operatives of PDEA Regional Office 2 under Dir. Derrick Arnold Carreon in collaboration with Cagayan Provincial SWAT, and Tuguegarao City Police Station, conducted a buy-bust operation against a suspected drug pusher, identified as Monsary Macaundar, along Luna Extension in Ugac Norte. Macaundar, was killed in action when he attempted to fire at his arresting officer as he eluded arrest. Other suspects arrested during the operation were Amer Macaundar, Proxy Damla, Acmad Racman, Simpol Macaundar, and Jose Lysander Antonio. The suspects yielded 10 grams of shabu. ä 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Operational Accomplishments 19 High-Impact Operations in the Regions Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – August 31, 2016. A buy-bust operation conducted by elements of PDEA R2 under Dir. Laurefel Gabales resulted in the arrest of businessman, identified as Richard Chua, who yielded 10 grams of shabu.

REGION 3 - CENTRAL LUZON

Mabalacat, Pampanga – August 28, 2016. A 68-year old American, identified as Alan Soohoo, was arrested by elements of the Clark Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (CRK-IADITG), after his luggage yielded two kilos of cocaine worth P10 million.

Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway – August 8-18, 2016. Operatives of PDEA RO3 recovered chemicals that are used in manufacturing shabu, in four separate locations along the stretch of SCTEX: Brgy. Babo Pangulo, Porac, Pampanga; Brgy. Alfonso, Concepcion, Tarlac; Brgy. Santiago, Concepcion, Tarlac; and Brgy. Sapang Balen, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. Investigation reveals that the recovered chemicals – believed to be waste materials dumped by drug syndicates – came from the same source.

REGION 4A - CALABARZON

Batangas City – September 28 and October 2, 2016. Operatives of PDEA Regional Office 4A under Dir. Jigger Montallana conducted two separate but anti-drug operations which resulted in the confiscation of 100 grams of shabu and the arrest of four notorious drug pushers, identified as Richard Herrera, Donald Onda, Raymond Dinglasa, and Merlita Espiritu, operating in the CALABARZON Region.

REGION 4B - MIMAROPA

Oriental Mindoro and Romblon – July to October 7, 2016. Operatives of PDEA Regional Office 4B under Director Archie Grande conducted separate anti-drug operations and busted three barangay kagawad from Oriental Mindoro (Arnel Dimaano, Brgy. Tibag, Calapan City; Jason Galang, Brgy. Waygan, Mansalay; and Edito Cezar, Brgy. Paclasan, Roxas) and one from Romblon (Gregory Oquendo, Brgy. Liwanag, Odiongan). The suspects aggregately yielded .875 grams of shabu.

REGION 5 - BICOL REGION

Malilipot, Albay – July 17, 2016. A buy-bust operation conducted by elements of PDEA Regional Office 5 under then Officer-In-Charge Director Edgar Jubay in Brgy. Francisco resulted in the confiscation of 50 grams of shabu and the arrest of a drug pusher identified as Thaddeus Ras.

REGION 6 - WESTERN VISAYAS

Dumangas, Iloilo – October 3, 2016. PDEA Regional Office 6 under Atty. Gil Pabilona arrested a member of the Odicta Drug Group identified as Jodie Dedoroy who yielded 11.9 grams of shabu during a buy-bust operation conducted in Brgy. Buenaflor-Embarcadero.

NEGROS ISLAND REGION

Murcia, Negros Occidental – August 22, 2016. A member of the Magbanua Drug Group, identified as Jerome Carampatana, was killed during an entrapment operation conducted by joint elements of PDEA Negros Island Regional Office under Dir Julius Navales and the local police in Brgy. Blumentritt. Recovered from the suspect was MOL 5 grams of shabu. continued on Page 20 20 Operational Accomplishments 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 From Page 19 high impact operations in the regions Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City – July 23, 2016. Operatives of the PDEA Regional Office 10, under Dir. Adrian Alvariño, and the Cagayan de Oro Police Office arrested Johaira Macabuat, a former mayor in Lanao del Sur tagged as “Drug Queen of the South”. Also arrested was Macabuat’s husband Major Suharto Macabuat, an active member of the Philippine Army assigned in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Recovered from the couple were 100 grams of shabu, paraphernalia and firearms loaded with ammunition. Seven individuals – who were at the Macabuat’s residence at the time of the raid – were likewise taken into custody.

REGION 11 - DAVAO REGION REGION 7 - CENTRAL VISAYAS Matina Crossing, Davao City – August 9, 2016. A shabu pusher, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu – July 20, 2016. P5-million worth of shabu identified as Gideon Lador, was killed during an entrapment was intercepted by joint operatives of the PDEA Regional Office operation conducted by joint elements of PDEA Regional Office 7 under Director Ronald Allan Ricardo, the Bureau of Customs- under Dir. Adzhar Albani and the Davao Police Office. The suspect Cebu and the PNP-Aviation Group. A female Chinese national, engaged the arresting team in a gun fight that led to his demise. identified as Li Ming Zhou, an arriving passenger from Hongkong, yielded 4.05 kilograms of shabu found in a hidden compartment REGION 12 - SOCCSKSARGEN in her trolley bag. San Isidro, General Santos REGION 8 - EASTERN VISAYAS City – September 26, 2016. A member of Kaunting Drug Albuera, Leyte – August 10, 2016. Approximately 11 kilos of Group, identified as Datu shabu worth P88 million were confiscated jointly PDEA Regional Manong Kaunting Abdulrakman, Office 7 under Dir. Edgay Jubay, Leyte Provincial Police Office – was arrested in by operatives of AIDSOG, Albuera Municipal Police Station and Regional Public PDEA RO 12 under Dir Lyndon Safety Battalion 8 during the service of a search warrant against Aspacio, in collaboration with the property of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. in Sitio PDEA RO 11 and PDEA ARMM Tinago, Brgy Binolho. Several components for making improvised during the implementation of explosives were likewise confiscated. a search warrant at suspect’s residence in Purok Mapailubon. REGION 9 - ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA Authorities were able to recover P1.85 million worth of shabu Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City – September 15, 2016. A legal weighing 250 grams. researcher of the Zamboanga City Municipal Trial Court Branch 3, identified as Al-Rashid Wadja Ibba, was busted by operatives of REGION 13 PDEA Regional Office 9 under Dir. Joseph Ladip during a buy-bust Butuan City, Agusan del Norte July 8, 2016 operation. The Suspect yielded 15 grams of shabu. – . A suspected big- time drug pusher, identified as Ariel Supas, was apprehended REGION 10 - NORTHERN MINDANAO by agents of the PDEA Regional Office 13, headed by Dir. Julius Navales, after the suspect sold shabu to a poseur-buyer. The suspect yielded P2.2 million worth of shabu.

ARMM

Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur – August 4, 2016. A three-hectare cultivation site in Brgy. Proper, Kapatagan, yielded 225 bundles of dried marijuana leaves together with 3,500 seedlings worth P5.76 million pesos as a result of an eradication operation conducted by PDEA Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao under Dir Edgar Apalla, supported by teams from the Kapatangan Municipal Police Station and the 6th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. The operation was made possible in cooperation with the local government of Kapatagan, Lanao del Dur and the assistance of the Moro-Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) ● With reports from the Public Information Office 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Operational Accomplishments 21 first 100 days in office From Page 8

Foreign nationals either involved in the operation of clandestine laboratories for manufacturing shabu or bulk smuggling of shabu, ecstasy, or cocaine were nabbed: 16 Chinese; 6 Hong Kong nationals; 3 Taiwanese; 2 Koreans; 2 Iranians; 1 Nigerian; 1 Russian; and 1 American.

Three prominent figures in the entertainment industry were also apprehended for selling, possession and using dangerous drugs: two in buy-bust operations and one during a checkpoint.

Minors Rescued

The rescue of 81 minors validate intelligence reports on the continuous involvement of children in illegal drug activities – 54% of whom were classified as pushers. Illegal drug groups take advantage of the legal protection accorded to minors as provided for in Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Act of 2006. Because the law provides for such protection, PDEA and other drug law enforcement agencies are compelled to turn-over the rescued minors to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Visible and Felt

Over the years, the campaign against drugs has always taken a back seat in the list of government priorities. It was no surprise that the problem escalated from being an isolated problem in the 70s into a serious national threat in the 90s up to the present. The Filipino people have persistently cried out for justice for their loved ones who have fallen victims either to the lure of illegal drugs or the crimes committed involving dangerous drugs.

Until President Duterte and his promise to the Filipino to eradicate the drug problem inhis country. The impact of the government’s fight against illegal drugs has never been strongly felt in the community with the conduct of intelligence- based operations to address the supply of dangerous drugs resulted in the arrest of high-value targets, the dismantling of shabu laboratories and drug dens, and the confiscation of big volumes of dangerous drugs. Appropriate drug cases have been filed against drug suspects. The crime rate has been reduced by 49%, much of it attributed to the reduction of illegal drug activities in the communities.

The strings of anti-drug accomplishments both seen and felt by the Filipinos in the first 100 days of Duterte Administration with Isidro Lapeña as PDEA Director General is just the beginning of a promise unfolding – the promised change. Much more is yet to come ●

With reports from POS 22 Direct from the Director General 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 From Page 11 direct from the director general

PDEA promotes an all-inclusive anti-drug campaign in compliance with the new direction of the government under the Duterte Administration. It does not exclusively promote drug-free workplaces or drug-free schools or drug-free homes, but it addresses the problem in its totality to achieve drug-free communities. More than being inclusive, it is also responsive. It requires all government agencies to be more than ready to address the problem focusing on the well-being of the country and its people. In short time, the Filipino people will experience “the change”, a new society where families feel safe in their homes, enjoying peace and order brought about by drug-free communities.

The change “in us”

Enhancing Integrity and Trustworthiness

Establishing and maintaining a “good” reputation is important1, more so for PDEA as the success of the war against drugs is highly dependent on the support of its stakeholders – which includes partner implementers both from the government and private sectors; foreign counterparts; and citizens in the communities.

Reports on television, radio, prints, and social media about successful operations conducted by PDEA is but one of the many factors that could build a good reputation for the agency in terms of performance: the dismantling of clandestine laboratories and warehouses used for the manufacture of dangerous drugs; the neutralization of drug dens used as venue of distribution and immediate consumption of dangerous drugs; the recovery and confiscation of big volumes of dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs); the arrest of high- value-targets (HVTs); and the neutralization of drug groups.

However, the irony of it all is this: the reputation that the agency has labored so hard to establish can be easily destroyed by undesirable actions of a very few unscrupulous individuals who, unfortunately, were given the chance to work in PDEA – drug enforcement officers who double up as drug dealers, protectors, financier, or those extorting money from drug suspects. Remember, the misbehavior of one agent or personnel can affect the agency as a whole. This is what I intend to address.

I share the sentiments of the President of “zero tolerance for abuses committed by law enforcers”. I ordered a surprise mandatory drug test for all PDEA personnel, both in the National Headquarters and the Regional Offices. To demonstrate leadership by example, I submitted myself to the same test. I am pleased that all PDEA personnel tested negative to presence of illegal drugs in their system.

The reputation of PDEA depends greatly on the character of its people. Let us not allow these few unscrupulous people to tarnish the reputation of PDEA. Let us not allow their character to define PDEA as an agency. It now rests on our shoulders, yours and mine. The key is to put the organizational welfare on top of our priority, setting aside the fleeting satisfaction to be gained from self-serving activities. ä

1W. Brown, “Understanding Reputational Risk: Identify, Measure and Mitigate the Risk,” SCR Insights: Fourth Quarter 2007. 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Direct from the Director General 23 direct from the director general

Pagtulungan natin na pangalagaan ang imahe ng ating influence and convince them to stop patronizing the product of ahensya. We can establish a trustworthy reputation for PDEA the illegal drug trade. This way, we can create “disequilibrium” by living up to our core values by being a breed of professional, within the drug trade where there is excess of supply because the dynamic, excellence-driven and accountable public servants. demand for drugs has gone down. This will translate to loss of Each of us must develop a great sense of dedication and income on the part of the unscrupulous groups in the drug trade. accountability in order to become an effective catalyst of the change that our President would like to have.

Change and Chance

Change and chance are two entirely different words, though their difference lies only in one letter. Notice how replacing the letter “g” with a letter “c” and the word “change” could lead to “chance”. Perhaps, it is a mere play of letters in a word, but to me it significantly points out the link between change and chance. It simply tells me not to be wary about change and embrace it in its totality. Because change gives us the chance to do things better.

The change we have instituted “with us and in us” during The people in the grassroots have the information we the first 100 days of us working together gave us the chance to need. They are our eyes and ears in the community – they are turn what was merely notable into something remarkable. We our information source. We have to actively promote Operation: have done well as the lead anti-drug agency. But much more has Private Eye, to encourage the general public to report anti-drug yet to be done. We cannot rest on our laurels. information to authorities, all the time assuring them of utmost confidentiality in handling the information they provide and the We have a bigger job to accomplish…and part of that anonymity of their true identity for their protection. We have bigger job is a bigger change in the way we are going to implement to maximize our source of information to support intelligence- the anti-drug campaign – through people’s participation. As driven advocacy and information dissemination initiatives as part the lead anti-drug agency, it is our duty to create an enabling of enhancing the information-collection environment for high- environment not only by introducing the concept of participatory value and high-impact operations. approach but to actually make it happen by focusing in people development, empowerment and mobilizing the citizenry against As awakened stakeholders, the people should be drugs. We do not just see the people as beneficiaries, we consider mobilized into action against illegal drugs. If properly mobilized, them as awakened stakeholders who share ownership of the anti- they can be effective force-multipliers in the implementation drug campaign and are equally involved in its implementation. of the government’s anti-drug campaign in the grassroots – serving as pivotal force in the: (1) conduct of massive drug Time and again, I have repeatedly emphasized the abuse prevention and control program; (2) creation and critical role of people’s participation in the campaign against operationalization of referral mechanisms for admission of drug illegal drug. Why? dependents into treatment and rehabilitation centers; and (3) implementation of programs for reintegration of recovering drug Looking at it in an economic point of view, illegal drug patients as productive citizens of the community. syndicates as a business enterprise consider the people in the community as target market from whom their income would Let us carry on the direction towards realchange, 100% come from – therefor, their “certain needs” must be supplied full steam ahead – this time maximizing the participation of an according to demand. Our job is to address the demand – create awakened and empowered citizenry. Let us grab that chance to awareness against drugs among the people in the community to finally win the war against drugs. 24 Integrity & Credibility Building 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 From Page 15 DESROYED BY CHANGE

This runs in compliance with the guidelines concerning the custody and disposition of dangerous drugs seized from operations conducted by drug law enforcers. Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, mandates PDEA to take custody of all confiscated or surrendered dangerous drugs and CPECs and to facilitate its speedy destruction.

“Government forensic laboratories are deliberately not built to accommodate large volumes of drug evidence – because confiscated dangerous drugs and CPECs are not supposed to be stored under the custody of the government for a long period of time. They are supposed to be destroyed once the court has issued the order for their destruction,” Usec. Lapeña said.

According to Usec. Lapeña, majority of the shabu The PDEA chief emphasized the important role of the courts destroyed on July 14, 2016, were part of the haul from a resort towards the success of the anti-drug campaign. in Claveria, Cagayan, recovered on July 3, 2016, just eleven days before the scheduled destruction ceremony. “They [the courts] not only facilitate the speedy disposition of drug cases. Napipigilan pa nilayungtinatawagnapagre- PDEA facilitated the destruction of a total of 400.35 recycle ng drugsdahilsinisiguro ng laboratory service ng PDEA kilograms of drug evidence through thermal decomposition. nawalanangmatitirang substance kundi abo (they also help Thermal decomposition, according to Dir. Belen M. Banog of the prevent what is called the recycling of drugs because the PDEA PDEA Laboratory Service, is a process that utilizes intense heat Laboratory Service makes it sure that the substances will be to break down the components of chemicals reduced to ashes),” Usec. Lapeña explained. to a point where reconstruction of the original substance becomes impossible. “Our President has promised ‘change’. And as the lead Bulks of drug evidence were fed into the anti-drug agency, PDEA shall continue to bring about change... decomposition chamber where they will by destroying dangerous drugs and CPECs that were intended to be exposed to extreme temperature, destroy our society,” Usec. Lapeña said. ● burning the dangerous drugs and CPECs until such are reduced into useless ashes. Drug Evidence Destroyed (July 14, 2016) Usec. Lapeña acknowledged the Particulars Volume Unit concerned Regional Trial Courts (RTC) which issued orders for the destruction Shabu (crystals and 346.30 kg of dangerous drug and chemicals powder) under the custody of PDEA that are Shabu (liquid) 66.25 ltr deemed no longer needed in court Cocaine 3.09 kg as drug evidence. Marijuana 20.90 kg Ketamine 3.18 g Ephedrine 41.71 g Pseudoephedrine 11.99 g

with reports from PDEA Laboratory Service 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Generating Public Trust & Confidence 25

“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world…it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.” – Agatha Christie Straight from a MAD Heart: A Mother Against Drugs

A mother, whose son is presently undergoing treatment in a drug rehabilitation center, openly expresses her sentiments against drugs. She sent an e-mail addressed to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, through the Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Isidro S. Lapeña, conveying her full support to the campaign against drugs. 26 Enhancing Operational Capability 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Regional Round-up Dem and Reduction The Concept of Co-prevention “No leader, however strong, can succeed at anything of national importance or significance unless he has the support and cooperation of the people he is tasked to lead and sworn to serve. It is the people from whom democratic governments draw strength and this administration is no exception.”. – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Inaugural Speech, June 30, 2016.

Taking the lead from the President himself, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Isidro S. Lapeña is promoting the concept of “co-prevention” which requires the active participation of the people in addressing the drug problem. “Co-prevention” means simultaneously addressing the drug problem both at the source and at the market. While drug supply reduc- tion is the primary responsibility of drug enforcement officers, parallel efforts must be undertaken to provide the public with adequate anti-drug information and generate stakeholders’ support with the intention of mobilizing them into action against drugs.

Anti-Illegal Drug Summits ment organizations (NGOs). The summit was highlighted by the signing of the Pledge of Commitment as a manifestation of the On August 1, 2016, PDEA-National Capital Regional Office (PDEA- stakeholders’ commitment to support the government’s cam- NCRO), under Director Wilkins Villanueva, facilitated an Anti-Drug paign against drugs. Summit for law enforcers and the judiciary attended by delegates Similar provincial anti-drug summits were likewise facilitated in from PDEA, the Anti-Organized Crime Division of the Department Tacloban, La Union, Nueva Ecija and ARMM, in collaboration with of Justice (DOJ-AOCD), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the local government units. and the Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (PNP- AIDG). The summit aims to thresh out concerns between law MASA-MASID enforcement agencies and the National Prosecution Service of the DOJ in relation with the prosecution of drug cases. PDEA supported the launching of the MASA-MASID of DILG on September 28, 2016. MASA-MASID stands for Mamamayang PDEA Regional Office 1 under Dir. Jeoffrey Tacio, in partnership Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Illegal na Droga. it is with the local government of Pangasinan, initiated the conduct community-based program which aims to encourage pro-active of the Pangasinan Anti-Drug Summit on September 9, 2016, at people’s participation in the government’s campaign against cor- the Sison Auditorium in Lingayen. The summit was attended by ruption, illegal drugs and criminality in the communities. Sec. Ismael D. Sueno of the Department of the Interior and Lo- cal Government (DILG); PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña; “PMASA-MASID shall serve as the umbrella of barangay organi- Gov. Amado Espino; Vice-Gov. Jose Calimlim, Jr; PCSupt Gregorio zations and volunteer groups that shall initiate and facilitate local Pimentel, PNP Regional Director; PSSupt Ronal Oliver Lee, Act- drug abuse prevention and control programs in the community. ing PNP Provincial Director; members of the provincial board; PDEA shall incorporate MASA-MASID in the anti-drug advocacy LGU officials; Liga ng mga Barangay Presidents; Officials of the programs,” Director General Lapeña said. ä Department of Education (DepEd); and leaders of non-govern- 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Enhancing Operational Capability 27

Stirring People’s Participation, Mobilizing Action Against Drugs

Ant-Drug Summits Facilitated and Initiated byPDEA Drug-Free Schools and Workplace June 30 to October 7, 2016 Particulars Frequency PDEA Regional Office 9 under Dir. Joseph Ladip, in Providing Anti-Drug Information partnership with Regional Public Safety Battalion (Drug Awareness and Education) (RPSB) 9, launched “Kasama Ako Laban sa Iligal na Droga”, an anti-drug advocacy program targeting - Lectures, Seminars, Symposia 2,821 schools, transport groups, canning factories, other - Guest Speakership 352 private companies and government organizations. - Film Showing 468 - Photo Exhibits 350 PDEA Regional Office 11 under Dir Adhzar Albani, facilitated the conduct of trainings for leaders of - Multi-Media Efforts 28,687 civic organizations, students, and educators as po- Generating Support tential anti-drug force-multipliers. - Community Involvement Activities 392 - MOA with NGO Partners 27 PDEA Regional Office 2 under Dir. Laurefel Gabales, tapped NGOs in the region like the Rotary Club and Mobilizing Action Lions Club in the implementation of the Drug-Free - Newly Activated ADACs 446 Workplace Program in close coordination with the - Patients referred to Treatment and Rehabilitation 192 Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Seminar Workshops on Barangay Drug-Clearing Program

PDEA Regional Office 4B facilitated Seminar Workshops on Barangay Drug-Clearing Program for the abuse barangays in all the provinc- es of Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, and Romblon to activate new and revitalize previously established Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) to serve as a functional network in implementing local anti-drug programs. As a result, 16 barangays were declared drug-free in the region with in a span of three months ●

With Paulo Victor Daculla and reports from Noli Nephi Dimaandal (PDEA RO11), Dharmalyn Jumlail (PDEA RO9) Louella Tomas (PDEA RO2), Jirahlyn Siddayao (PDEA RO1), Rogelette Urgel (PDEA RO8) and Mary Jane Lorenzo (PDEA RO4B) “International cooperation… is indispensable.”

28 Strenghtening Partnership & Cooperation 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 “International cooperation… is indispensable.” -Hans Blix

The Director General of the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau, Mr. Joey Chung-I Wang, of Taiwan, Republic of China, was the very first counterpart who sent his congratulatory letter for the appointed Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Isidro S. Lapeña. Mr. Wang expressed his support to PDEA under the new leadership and conveyed the intention of his agency to continue partnership with PDEA. 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Strenghtening Partnership & Cooperation 29 CULTIVATING Climate Meeting with InternationalC ounterparts

Foreign counterparts based in the Philippines manifested support to the newly appointed Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). This was made evident by the attendance of officers from foreign embassies and drug law enforcers – from Australia, Canada, China, Great Britain, Japan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Russia, Taipei Economic and Culturaal Office-Republic of China, Thailand, and the United States of America – during the Meeting with International Counterparts hosted by PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapena on August 30, 2016, at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.

The said meeting officially presents Director General Lapeña to foreign counterparts, and even high ranking officials of local law enforcement agencies, as the new head of the country’s premiere lead anti-drug agency.

“I am overwhelmed by the support that our counterparts have shown by heeding my invitation to this gathering, aside from the courtesy visits our foreign counterparts have paid to my office. Such kind of support is very conducive in cultivating a climate of cooperation for multi-lateral alliances between the Philippines and other countries against dangerous drugs,” the PDEA Chief said. continued on Page 30 30 Strenghtening Partnership & Cooperation 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 From Page 29 cultivating climate of cooperation

Participation in International Law Enforcement Conferences

PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña represented PDEA as official delegate of the Philippines in three anti-drug international conferences: the 37th Meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) on August 24-27, 2016, in Bangkok, Thailand; then the 3rd General Meeting of Asia-Pacific Information and Coordination Center for Combating Drug Crimes (APICC) on September 21, 2016 in Busan, South Korea; and finally, the 26th Anti-Drug Liaison Officials’ Meeting for International Cooperation (ADLOMICO) on September 22-23, 2016, also in Busan, South Korea.

International conferences like these serve as venues for addressing key challenges concerning the continuously changing drug situation in the international community in relation to respective domestic state of affairs.

“PDEA’s participation in similar conventions like these helps strengthen cross-border cooperation with our counterparts from other countries. It is also a platform where the Philippines, through PDEA , could reiterate our government’s firm commitment to divulge information on current drug trends, develop operational strategies and share best practices to combat international drug trafficking and respond to the challenges it presents,” Director General Lapeña said. ●

With reports from Glenn Malapad and The International Cooperation and Foreign Affairs Service 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Bolstering Competence & Capability 31

PDEA DEOBC Class 16-09: It takes one to have guts to aspire to be an agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). But not everyone who have guts can be a PDEA agent. It requires more than guts to have the right to be conferred with the Gold PDEA Badge.

“One doesn’t become a drug enforcement officer in a snap. It takes rigid training, commitment and discipline to be a professional, dynamic, excellence-driven and accountable public servant before one can be a full-blooded PDEA agent,” PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña said.

After PDEA’s appeal for additional plantilla position forDEOs was approved, the Agency was flooded with applications from 1,452 individuals who aspire to be part of the government’s lead-anti-drug agency. Out of this, less than 60% or only 862 met the standard requirements to take the Qualifying and Neuro-Psychological Examinations(QNPE) in testing centers in Cebu City, Davao City, Baguio City, and Quezon City in April and May 2016.

After battery of psychological examinations and physical tests, only 100 – 69 males and 31 females – were selected to compose the 9th Batch of agent-trainees who would augment PDEA’s operational workforce. They took oath on August 31, 2016 before taking part in the “reception” that officially commenced the Drug Enforcement Officers Basic Course (DEOBC) Class 16-09 at the PDEA Academy in Silang, Cavite.

Taking oath and beginning the DEOBC does not guarantee that all 100 agent-trainees would emerge as PDEA agents. In fact, out of the 100 who took oath and began the DEOBC, 13 had already been dropped from the rolls – leaving 87 agent-trainees who still have to endure and complete the six months rigorous physical, intellectual and emotional training.

It remains to be seen. Who among these 87 agent-trainees would earn their right to their personal PDEA Badge come March 6, 2017? 32 The 5th PDEA Director General 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 From Page 36 chosen for change Aside from his academic qualification and his acquired expertise in specialized fields that developed him into becoming a competent Police attachè, his credentials include being a capable logistics man, a qualified motorcycle rider, and an underwater operations scuba diver. A Highly Decorated Gentleman

His years in service speak of his commitment to excellence. He is a highly decorated gentleman who received 65 police and military medals, which include among others the Gold Cross Medal.

He was named as best officer in his field serving in different capacities: Junior Officer of the Year (1975); PC Junior Officer of the Year (1979); Senior Staff Officer of the Year (1986); Senior Field Officer of the Year – RECOM12 (1992); Senior Staff Officer ofthe Year – Special Action Force (1996); and Senior Police Commissioned Officer of the Year – PRO 11 (1997).

Aside from the numerous plaques of recognition and commendations he had received for his distinguished leadership in service, he is also a recipient of the Presidential Streamer Award and the Dangal ng PNP Award.

The same commitment to excellence coupled with his willingness to implement and embrace “change” that would allow “chance” to do better, transcended to the different units and offices he had led. Underhis leadership as the City Director, the Davao City Police Office earned the distinguished award for the City Police Office of the Year in 1997 and the Cotabato METRODISCOM won the METRODISCOM of the Year in 1992 besting all other Police Regional Offices and METRODISCOM nationwide. Also, at the helm of his leadership as the Commanding Officer, the 456th PC Company received the Award for CPC Streamer in 1979. Responsive to the Advent of “Change”

Normally, individuals in their senior years refuse to welcome changes. Getting the older generation to acquire new skills isalmost impossible – like learning how to use the computer or even a cellular phone.

But this 65-year old public servant is different. When he first retired from the government service in 2007, he did not stop learning. He openly embraced “changes” brought about by technology because he knew that these “changes” would bring about better “chances”.

The fifth PDEA Director General, Undersecretary Isidro S. Lapeña, is quite adept in using the computer and his cellular phone. He is aware that unscrupulous drug groups are reaping the advantages brought about technological advancements which bear significant impact on the production, distribution and sale of illegal drugs. ä

Police Service Rendered (in ascending order) Year Position Area of Assignment 1998-2000 Chief Regional Directorial Staff Police Reg’l Office 11 2000 Deputy District Director for Operations CPD, National Capital Regional Police Office 2000-2002 Chief Regional Directorial Staff NCRPO 2001-2002 Director of the Regional Patrol Unit NCRPO 2002-2004 Regional Director Police Reg’l Office 11 2004-2005 Director for Operations NHQ, Philippine National Police 2005-2006 Chief of the Directorial Staff NHQ, Philippine National Police 2006-2007 Deputy Chief PNP for Operations NHQ, Philippine National Police Police service rendered in Davao City 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 The 5th PDEA Director General 33 chosen for change

Individual Awards and Recognitions Received From his Police Service “Like everyone else who are benefitting from - Dangal ng PNP Award (17 Feb 1999) technological advances – drug organizations are also taking - Senior Police Commissioned Officer of the Year – PRO 11 (1997) advantage of such developments towards the advancement of illegal drug activities. In the same way that drug syndicates have - Senior Staff Officer of the Year – Special Action Force (1996) embraced changes brought about by globalization and modern - Senior Field Officer of the year – RECOM 12 (1992) technology, we also have to embrace the same changes to be - Leadership Award by the Phil. Public Saftey College (April 5, 1995) able to address the [drug] problem squarely. We are going to - Medalya ng KatangitangingGawa (3) defeat them [drug syndicates] by using the same weapon they - Medalya ng KatapatansaPaglilingkod (6) are using against us,” the PDEA chief said. - Medalya ng PambihirangPaglilingkod - Medalya ng Katapangan (PNP Bravery Medal) Yes, indeed, change has come ● - Military Merit Medal with Spearhead Device - Medalya ng kagalingan (PNP Medal of Merit Bronze) - Medalya ng Kagalingan w/ 1st and 2nd Bronze Sampaguita - Medalya ng Kagalingan (3) - Medalya ng Papuri (5) - Medalya ng Kadakilaan - Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal – 15) - Medalya ng UgnayangPampulisya (PCR Medal) - Medalya ng PaglabansaManliligalig (2) - Medalya ng Paglilingkodsa Luzon - Medalya ng Paglilingkodsa Mindanao (2) - Award of the Presidential Streamer From the Military - Senior Staff Officer of the Year (1986) - PC Junior Officer of the year (1979) - Gold Cross Medal - Bronze Cross Medal with 1st Bronze Anahaw Leaf - Junior Officer of the Year (1975) - Military Merit Medal w/ Spearhead Devise (2) - Military Merit Medal w/ BAL after 1st and 2nd SAL (12) - Military Commendation Medal w/ Bronze & Silver Equil Triangle (7) Various Letters of Commendations (Military and Civilian) 34 Moral & Spiritual Renewal 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 The Fruit of the Spirit With Paulo Victor Daculla, PDEA RO-NCR “You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.” Matthew 7:16 A tree is known by its fruit. In season, we see mango fruits hanging from a mango tree. In the same way that trees can be distinguished by the fruit they bear, we are defined by our deeds – either as a bearer of good fruits or an unproductive withered twig.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version (NIV)

In this devotional series, we shall be talking about the nine attributes that describe how an individual who bears the “fruit of the Spirit” behaves and interacts with the people around them.

First Fruit: Held in place by Love

Love, authored by God, is boundless, unconditional. God’s commandments basically revolve around love: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind” (Deuteronomy 6:5) and “love your neighbor as well” (Mark 12:31). The best way to show our love for God is through obedience. And obeying God requires us to love others as a natural response to the love He has given us. We can cultivate obedience by regularly reading His Word, the Bible, and communicating with Him through prayer.

We cannot give what we do not have

First, we must have to personally experience God’s love. We can never truly give to others what we ourselves do not have. We may extend help to others in need. We might receive praises from the people around us from doing things that are defined by society as morally upright and acceptable. However, are we doing these things for the right reasons? Are we driven by the right motivations? Remember, our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:4b)

Experiencing God’s love

God is love – in all His works this character of God is revealed. The ultimate manifestation of God’s love for us was sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. (1 John 4:9) God did not just tell us He loves us. But He SHOWED us that He loved us when He allowed His only Son, Jesus, to die for us so that our sins may be forgiven – that we may be reunited with God.

How do we love our neighbor?

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). We are not required to do this literally. Jesus already did this for us when He died on the cross to pay for our sins 2,000 years ago. It is not enough that we experience God’s love, but we must actually do something to let other people know of God’s love (John 3:18). God wants us to be vessels of His love. Apostle John urges us to “continue to love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7). When our behavior and interactions with other people show genuine concern, people see a manifestation of God’s love through us.

A heart-felt prayer On our own, it would be impossible. But the more we draw near to God, praying and reflecting on His Word, we will experience the fullness that the fruit of the Spirit brings into your life. But where should you start? It starts with a heart-felt prayer acknowledging your “personal need for Christ” as Lord and Savior who is the only One who could bridge the gap – caused by sin – between us and our Heavenly Father.

“Father, I acknowledge my sins have separated me from you. Please forgive me. Thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ to die for me. I believe He died for my sins and He resurrected from the dead. I invite Jesus to be my Savior and the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit that I may experience the fruit of the Spirit to help me obey You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

Extending God’s Love

Being in PDEA gives us that special privilege to extend God’s love to others. Let us take this opportunity to make the people we serve feel our genuine desire to provide them with drug-free communities as an expression of God’s love that we have personally experienced. 30 Jun - 7 Oct 2016 Enabling Policy Environment for Anti-Drug Strategies 35

Handling of Voluntary Surrenderers From Page 14 Adapting to Change

DDB Regulation No. 3, series of 2016, or Guidelines on Handling Voluntary Surrender of Drug Personalities, intends to establish standard procedures on handling drug personalities who have voluntarily surrendered to authorities.

This came about after thousands of suspected drug personalities flocked police precincts nationwide. From July 1 to October 6, 2016 a total of 736,247 drug personalities voluntarily appeared to PNP authoritiesto confess their involvement in illegal drugs. This breakthrough is attributed to the strong pronouncement of the President of his war against illegal drugs and the implementation of PNP’s Project Tokhang.

The regulation mandates the Local Government Units thru the City or Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC/MADAC) to take over-all supervision of all “surrenderers”. The LGUs shall coordinate with the concerned national government agencies (NGAs) and non- government organizations (NGOs) for the provision of livelihood and training programs for “surrenderers” to help reintegrate them into the community as productive citizens. -Yvonne D. Balares e has always been known as an agent of change. He believed that “change allows chance” for people to do better. Perhaps it was one of the many reasons why President H Rodrigo Roa Duterte – who promised the Filipino people that “change is coming” – personally hand-picked him – retired Police Deputy Director General Isidro S. Lapeña – to lead the government’s fight against illegal drugs. Government Service

The young Isidro Lapeña originally hailed from Urdaneta City, but the exigency of public service called him to Region 11 in 1974 when he was a Junior Officer to serve as the Executive Officer for the 431st PC Company in Davao City. It was a year after he graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) – a proud member of the Maagap Class of 1973.

He spent more than 17 years of public service in Davao City in different capacities in the then Police Constabulary (PC) and then subsequently the Philippine National Police (PNP): from being the Intelligence/Operations Officer in Davao Sur in 1976 until he was designated as the Regional Director of Police Regional Office 11 2002. Eight years of his service in Davao was rendered during the term of then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

In between his service in Davao City, he was assigned to different critical positions in the bastion of law enforcement. On July 5, 2006, hewas appointed as the Deputy Chief PNP for Operations and the concurrent Mindanao Area Police Supervisor of the Mindanao Area Police Office. On January 2, 2007, his 56th birthday, he retired from the police service after 34 years. Trainings and Qualification

He is a seasoned officer and public servant whose expertise in his chosen field is a product of local and international trainings. His foreign trainings include specialized courses conducted in Cranfield University in England (Major Case Management Course sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation); Fort Bragg, North Carolina,

Police Service Rendered USA (Civil Affairs Course (in ascending order) and Psychological Operation Year Position Area of Assignment Officers Course); Fort Eustis, 1973-1974 Junior Officer 57th PC Battalion, ParangMaguindanao Virginia, USA (Transportation 1975-1976 Intelligence and Operations Officer Davao Sur CC Officers Advanced Course); 1976-1978 Commanding Officer 456th PC Company in Koronadal, South Cotabato Sabah, Malaysia (Border Deputy Executive Officer and concurrent Chief, Management Course); and 1979 R-3 Division, RECOM 11 Plans and Operation Branch Tokyo, Japan (Community 1979-1981 Commanding Officer 431st PC Company Policing). 1981-1982 Chief Operations Branch PC Training Command in Silang, Cavite 1982-1983 Deputy Group Commander 11thCRG-AFP He earned his 1983-1984 Chief, RDS, PCR R-5 RECOM 11 Master’s Degree in Public 1984-1988 Chief, RDS, Logistics R-4 RECOM 11 Administration in Manuel L. 1989-1990 Deputy Chief PC/INP Procurement Unit Quezon University before he 1989-1990 Chairman of the Bids and Award Committee PC/INP Procurement Unit became a Doctor of Philosophy 1990-1991 Chief, RDS, Intelligence R-2 RECOM 11 in Criminology conferred 1991-1993 Director Cotabato Metropolitan District Command by the Philippine College of 1993-1994 Commander of the Task Force SAMBANSA PNP Special Action Force Command Criminology. He then passed the Career Service Executive 1994-1995 Chief, Inspectorate Division PNPSAFC Examination (CSEE) in May 1994-1996 Deputy Director for Administration PNPSAFC 1999. 1996-1998 City Director Davao City Police Office