Ex-PDEA chief Santiago is new drugs board chief

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief retired Gen. Dionisio Santiago as the new head of the Dangerous Drugs Board.

"General Santiago's return to the national government with his appointment to the DDB will greatly contribute to the President's vision of a drug-free Philippines," presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

"His expertise and advocacy is fighting illegal drugs, which became his platform when he ran in the last elections," Abella added.

Santiago, who had also served as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, will replace Benjamin Reyes, who was removed from the position last May for presenting numbers that contradicted the government's statistics on illegal drug users.

Based on his profile posted on the website of the Philippine Constitution Association, Santiago served as PDEA chief from 2006 to 2010.

He also served as Bureau of Corrections director from 2003 to 2004, Philippine Army commanding general from March to November 2002, Central Command Visayas commanding general from July 2001 to March 2002, and commanding general of the Special Operations Command from 1999 to 2001.  —Erwin Colcol/LBG/ALG, GMA News