PDEA gets 99 new agents

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has 99 new anti-narcotics agents to boost the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

The agents, who are members of the Sanhiraya Class, received their badges during graduation rites at the PDEA national headquarters in Quezon City yesterday.

The anti-narcotics operatives received their diplomas and service pistols from PDEA chief Moro Virgilio Lazo.

They finished the drug enforcement officers’ basic six-month course at the PDEA Academy in Silang, Cavite.

The PDEA has recruited 4,029 applicants who underwent rigid screening and selection processes.

Among these are medical and dental examinations, physical fitness tests, neuro-psychological exams and panel interviews.

After six months, only 99 trainees qualified to become drug enforcement officers.

The agents entered the PDEA with the rank of Intelligence Officer 1, a permanent plantilla position.