PNP forms new anti-drug group

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Monday announced the creation of a new unit that will lead the police organization's campaign against illegal drugs.

Dela Rosa said the PNP-Drug Enforcement Group (DEG) will replace the disbanded Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG).

The new group will focus on high value targets, including drug manufacturers, traffickers, drug lords and drug protectors.

The PNP chief said the DEG, which will have smaller counterpart units from the regional down to station levels, will be headed by Senior Superintendent Graciano Mijares.

Dela Rosa said Mirajes is "palaban, walang kinatatakutan at straight na tao, walang record ng kalokohan."

He said Mijares' appointment went through a vetting process by members of the command group and the PNP directorial staff.

He said Mijares is "not afraid to die because he survived the worst encounters in his life. Marami na siyang tama sa katawan."

Mirajes, meanwhile, announced "hotlines" where people can report and provide information to the DEG. The numbers are: 0917 895 0544 and 0998 999 2286.

Last week, the PNP chief said that the new group will be manned by "a new set of officers."

Dela Rosa said the PNP has yet to complete the new group's membership because its personnel needs to be vetted carefully by the leadership.

The AIDG was disbanded after its members were implicated in the abduction and killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo, currently under investigation by both the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation.

Last week, President Duterte instructed the PNP to rejoin his war on drugs. He also ordered Dela Rosa to form anti-drugs task forces at every police stations nationwide. —ALG/RSJ, GMA News