Beware of fake PDEA agents, public warned

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency warned the public of unscrupulous individuals posing as PDEA agents.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac, Jr. bared this following the recent arrest of a police officer gone absent without leave (AWOL) and three others after engaging in a shootout and car chase with members of the PNP Highway Patrol Group.

The policeman, identified as PO1 Khomenie Dacula, with three companions, was flagged down by HPG operatives in Parañaque City, after they were acting suspiciously on board their vehicle.  

A brief gun battle ensued resulting in the death of one suspect and the wounding of another.

Confiscated from the suspects were seven fabricated PDEA green shirts and three firearms.

Cacdac said this tactic of impersonating people in authority for evil purposes was not new. “The fact that PDEA uniforms were seized from these suspects, including a police officer,  indicate that the uniforms will be used for illegal activities.”

The PDEA chief said unauthorized wearing of PDEA uniforms, or insignia, is punishable under the Revised Penal Code.