No stand-off or face-off among PDEA agents

This has reference to Ramon Tulfo’s column titled “Near shoot-out at PDEA” (Inquirer, 10/6/12).

This shocked PDEA personnel not because there was indeed such an incident, but because nothing of that sort really happened. There was no commotion, and neither was there any standoff nor face-off among PDEA agents that day.

The information Tulfo got from “unnamed sources” was obviously yet another of many efforts being made to destabilize the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

What really happened that time was, agents from the Special Enforcement Service (SES) were scheduled to escort and secure the director general, who was going to the Department of Justice for a meeting. The team members had to run going to their vehicle so that they will not be late for duty.

We belie the reports that SES agents and IIS agents had a face-off in the director general’s office. Neither did the SES agents cock their M-16 rifles on other agents. Moreover, SES personnel are issued with Tavor Assault Rifles, not M-16s.

We also categorically deny the accusation that Director General Jose Gutierrez Jr. got P2 million and Director Lachica, P1 million. This allegation is being investigated by the National Bureau of Investigation, thus we are withholding any further statements pending the completion thereof.

The agency firmly believes that the esteemed Inquirer newspaper upholds truthfulness and responsible journalism and never tolerates falsehood and deception. We are confident that it will never allow its pages to become a vehicle of hearsay and rumors.

We would greatly appreciate if its columnists and reporters would first verify and validate from me any report that could soil the image and reputation of PDEA as the country’s premier drug law enforcement organization.

PDEA is profoundly grateful for Inquirer’s support and considers the paper as our formidable ally in the nationwide campaign against illegal drugs. We welcome any query that it might want to ask or clarify with us so that the truth will always prevail.

—DERRICK ARNOLD C. CARREON, MGM, director, Public Information Office, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency