PDEA vows to strengthen partnership with Customs bureau

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Wednesday said it is seeking to foster a stronger relationship with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) under the new leadership of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

"The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) looks forward to working with the new leadership of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and welcome the opportunity to further strengthen the partnership of the two agencies in the fight against illegal drug trafficking," PDEA said in a statement.

PDEA director general Aaron Aquino acknowledged the crucial role of the BOC in preventing the entry of smuggled illegal drugs in the country.

Aquino and Guerrero had a meeting to discuss how the two agencies could better coordinate in intensifying the national anti-drug campaign.

President Rodrigo Duterte previously made a remark on the supposed blame game between Aquino and former Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña over the estimated P11-billion shabu mess.

"Kaya nalulusutan sila. Instead of killing the idiots, sila nagtuturuan," Duterte said.

Both Aquino and Lapeña have since denied that they are blamed each other, and reiterated that the PDEA and BOC have long been partners in the fight against illegal drugs.

Lapeña has since been transferred and now heads the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Meanwhile, Aquino and Guerrero's meeting focused on amending and signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen the cooperation between PDEA and BOC in addressing drug trafficking and the possible entry of contraband.

Workshops for PDEA and BOC personnel, work plan schedules, and regular inspections of goods at the Customs are also in the pipeline. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News