FIGHTING DRUG TRAFFICKING. Officials of the Philippine National Police and two logistics firms sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) in simple rites at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Thursday (Oct. 10, 2024). The PNP said Friday (Oct. 11, 2024) that the MOA provides for effective collaboration between the force and its partner logistics firms in fighting drug trafficking through the use of transport and delivery services. (Photo courtesy of PNP)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) joined forces with two logistics companies to curb drug trafficking via transport and delivery services.
PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Lt. Gen. Michael Dubria, PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta, JRS Business Corp. general manager Gerard Payaoan, and Transportify Philippines country director Mario Paulo Bengson signed a memorandum of agreement on the measure in simple rites at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Thursday.
“This MOA represents a significant step forward in our continuous battle against the illegal drug trade. By collaborating with JRS and Transportify, we are taking proactive measures to ensure that delivery services do not become conduits for dangerous drugs. Our Special Operations Units are fully prepared to work alongside our partners to disrupt these illicit activities,” Matta said in a news release Friday.
The MOA outlines several responsibilities and obligations for both parties to ensure effective collaboration.
The PNP, through its Special Operations Units, will focus on monitoring and interdicting the transport of illegal drugs using courier services while JRS and Transportify will maintain a drug-free workplace and report any suspicious activities to the PDEG.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, represented by Dubria, highlighted the urgency of the partnership and the testament to resolve to leave no stone unturned in this battle.
“As criminals evolve their methods, so must we. We have seen the increasing use of delivery courier services as a mode for trafficking illegal drugs, and this is a trend that we must confront head-on,” Marbil said.
Commitments outlined in the MOA include joint efforts to prevent the use of delivery services for drug trafficking; sharing of information on trafficking methods and suspicious transactions; training and seminars for personnel from both parties to ensure effective collaboration; and a dedicated contact for immediate police response in case of incidents requiring urgent assistance.
Payaoan and Bengson expressed their support for the initiative, underlining the importance of working together to create safer communities. (PNA)
