New PNP anti-drug unit to have SWAT, K9 components

The newly-formed Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group will be having a counter-intelligence component and tactically-trained personnel aside from its anti-drug teams.

“Bukod sa anti-drug teams ng PDEG, may component sila ng counter-intelligence, may SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics), K9, and tactical units, baka kumuha rin sila ng tactically trained personnel para they will be part of the PDEG,” PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said in a press conference. 

Carlos said the vetting process for the members of PDEG is still ongoing.  

“‘Yung PDEG under (Senior Supt. Graciano) Mijares nasa organizational stage sila to have the necessary personnel…looking at the logistical needs and space for the unit muna ang ginagawa nila,” he said. 

He said PDEG now has a skeletal force that will be joining Mijares “so they can immediately organize themselves and arrange logistical requirements or space where they’ll be staying  in order for them to start their operations against their targets.”

He said the new group will have less than 300 members and all of them will pass through the oversight committee.

“Ngayon lahat ng magiging members ng PDEG sa oversight commmittee ang submission of names and vetting. Pag may question doon (sa tao) the committee can say no,” Carlos said, adding that the oversight committee is composed of the command group and concerned staff.

On Monday, PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa announced the resumption of its anti-illegal drug operations with the creation of PDEG and activation of “Double Barrel Reloaded, Tokhang Revisited.” 

He said 18 Regional Drug Enforcement Units (RDEU) and five (5) District Drug Enforcement Units (DDEU) in the NCR police districts shall be created while Drug Enforcement Teams (DET) will be organized in the provincial, city and municipal police offices and stations.  — RSJ, GMA News