HONTIVEROS CONDEMNS KILLING OF PDEA AGENTS IN MINDANAO

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday condemned the killing of six agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Lanao Del Sur on Friday after unknown assailants allegedly opened fire at them while they were in the performance of their duty.

The Senator called on PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino to act swiftly on this case to do justice to the PDEA agents and the families they left behind.

"The death of our PDEA agents in Mindanao is deplorable. The government must leave no stone unturned as they conduct a swift and judicious investigation of the incident. The perpetrators of this atrocious crime must be held accountable and justice served immediately," Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros added that she will support any additional fund allocation request of the agency to ensure the safety and security of their agents while on duty.

"From the start, I have asserted that PDEA, possessing the mandate to push for efficient law enforcement in the fight against illegal drugs, should be the lead agency in the government's anti-drug campaign," Hontiveros said.

"Thus, in the deliberation of the proposed 2019 national government budget, we will try to look at areas where PDEA needs additional funding so its agents can perform their duties while ensuring their safety," Hontiveros added.

Hontiveros also questioned the effectiveness of the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.

"The declaration of Martial Law in the entire Mindanao was presented to the public as a magic bullet that would address rampant violence and lawlessness in the region. The brutal murder of our PDEA agents has belied this claim. This should serve as a wake up call to the government. A Martial law-centric strategy to promote law and order in Mindanao is unsustainable. What is needed is a multi-dimensional approach that weaves together effective law enforcement, equitable distribution of social services and the full implementation of peace agreements, including the Bangsamoro Basic Law," Hontiveros said.