AFP to assist PDEA in its medical, physical exams

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Wednesday signed an agreement that will provide the latter with medical and physical examiners from the military who may assist in evaluating results of medical examination of a drug enforcement officer.

The memorandum of agreement states that "PDEA is in need of a highly organized medical government physician specialists to evaluate and validate the results of physical examinations of PDEA Intelligence Officer I candidates conducted in the different selected examining facilities in the country."

The chief of PDEA, Director General Aaron Aquino, was elated and grateful for the military in extending assistance as this would ensure that the drug enforcement officers are fit for their training and duties.

"The agreement is definitely a big boost to the selection process of aspiring PDEA agents to determine their fitness to undergo the rigorous training,” Aquino said.

The AFP's Medical Board No.1, which will be made available to assist PDEA in the evaluation of medical, physical and dental examination results, includes an internist, cardiologist, general surgeon, radiologist, ophthalmologist, ENT, OB-gynecologist, and orthopedic surgeon/specialist who also examine entrants in the Philippine Military Academy.

AFP chief General Felimon Santos Jr. also vowed that the military fully supports the PDEA's fight against illegal drugs.

"We deeply value our partnership and we look forward to realizing our common vision of securing lasting peace in our country," Santos said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News