The local team of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) strives to be on top of the situation as it remains a challenge to outsmart the wealthy illegal drugs ring that contrasts government scarcity.
PDEA-Bohol head Ma. Chona Egam lamented that the lack of resources and manpower often hamper their operation, especially that they have to implement simultaneous programs on supply reduction and demand reduction.
The drug ring proved to be wealthier than the government agency and, therefore, could move faster.
Egam also expressed disappointment that of the cases they had filed against drug personalities, there were more acquittal than conviction.
On this, PDEA needs to double time in polishing the evidence gathering and surveillance operations, she added.
With limited personnel, it became impossible for the PDEA to create different teams to whom the tasks could supposedly be segregated.
Usually, there is only one team to focus on all the strategies, resulting to lack of focus and disintegrated moves.
Egam said PDEA has to deal with several tasks at one time. They have to continue the surveillance, case profiling and buy-bust operations against noted drug personalities.
At the same time, they have to attend court hearings and proceed with the information dissemination on the ill effects of drug abuse.
In every month, they have to accomplish all these tasks.
The PDEA, however, managed to achieve remarkable accomplishments in the fight against illegal drugs.
"The harmonious and concerted effort with the local law enforcement units of the province has been the key factor in the many remarkable achievement in the campaign against dangerous drugs trafficking in Bohol Province. With this, we recommend the continuation of the sustained, relentless, and consistent campaign of every law enforcement units," Egam said.
As part of PDEA's supply reduction program in the month of February, Egam said they received coordination of one surveillance, casing and test-buy operation.