BuCor inks pact for intensified illegal drugs campaign
Catapang said that 70 to 80 percent out of the more than 50,000 PDLs nationwide are in prison due to drug-related cases
Daily TribuneCatapang said that 70 to 80 percent out of the more than 50,000 PDLs nationwide are in prison due to drug-related cases
The Bureau of Corrections on Tuesday announced that it has signed a memorandum of agreement with the National Intelligence Coordinating Council, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to synchronize anti-illegal drug campaigns and maintain cooperation and collaboration to combat illegal drugs in and out of the state prison and penal farms nationwide.
BuCor director general Gregorio Catapang Jr. signed the agreement with assistant Director general for Counter Intelligence Rolando E. Asuncion representing NICA director general Ricardo F. De Leon, NBI director Atty. Medardo G. de Lemos, PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. and PDEA director general Moro Virgilio M. Lazo.
The MoA is seen to pave the way for the creation of an Inter-Agency Collaborative Group against drug trafficking in correctional and prison facilities and penal farms of BuCor.
Catapang said that despite rigorous security measures in place, the BuCor continues to encounter entry of contraband such as dangerous drugs, Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals and drug paraphernalia, in its prison facilities.
He also stressed the need for collaboration with other government agencies as a vital approach in resolving the complex issues on drug use and trafficking in BuCor facilities.
The BuCor chief added that the agreement with partner agencies will ensure that persons deprived of liberties, drug personalities or even syndicates do not benefit any further from the proceeds of their illicit drug activities and financially disabled them from further engaging in the trafficking of illegal drugs.
Catapang said that 70 to 80 percent out of the more than 50,000 PDLs nationwide are in prison due to drug-related cases.
Under the agreement, an Operations Center will be established inside the NBP to efficiently carry out the functions, duties, and responsibilities of the IACG and to properly execute and implement the provisions of RA 9165, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The operation center shall concentrate on intelligence gathering, monitoring and taking action to prevent drug-related activities inside the NBP and other prison facilities and penal farms.