Opening Statement
Senate Resolution 812
September 14, 2021

PUBLIC HEARING OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ORDER AND DANGEROUS DRUGS
ON THE DISAPPEARANCE AND ALLEGED ABDUCTION OF PDEA AGENT MERTON FESWAY

On the fateful evening of June 25, 2021, a night of supposed celebration of the 19th Anniversary of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, PDEA Agent Merton Fesway was allegedly abducted by unknown men outside PDEA's Office in Angeles City, Pampanga. Initial investigations of PDEA reveal that Agent Fesway failed to disclose to his "buddy" the identity of the unknown confidential informant whom he was supposed to talk to prior to his disappearance. To date, or after almost three (3) months, Agent Fesway is still yet to be found.

Since the start of the Anti-Drug War campaign of President Duterte, there have been reports similar to the case of Agent Fesway that involves disappearances and killings of law enforcement agents and authorities involved in anti-drug operations.

As the Chairman of this Committee and as former law enforcer, it saddens me whenever I hear incidents involving assault, abduction and murder, of our law enforcement agents. Not only because I know of their unwavering loyalty and sacrifice despite the risks of losing their very lives for the Filipino people, but also the threats it makes on the public's confidence of the government's ability to protect them.

Bilang dating Chief PNP, batid ko ang hirap ng laban kontra droga. Bawat araw ay walang kasiguraduhan. Pati ang ating mga pamilya ay nalalagay sa peligro ng dahil sa ating sinumpaang tungkulin. When the protectors of the citizens are in peril against the greater evil of drugs, who will step up to protect them? If these incidents continue to persist, the trust of the public will diminish, many will fear, and the safety of our people will be vulnerable.

Again, we are not a court of law but as we proceed with this Senate inquiry, we shall ascertain how can we improve on the existing protocols and procedures to help improve the safety of our law enforcers. Do we need new legislations to prevent the recurrence of such incident?

In closing, I ask these questions to our resource persons. How can we ensure the safety and protection of our law enforcers, our modern-day heroes? Is the issuance of firearms sufficient protection? Are our current policies inadequate to guarantee their safety? What have we done to ease the worries of the relatives waiting for the return of our missing comrades? What legislation do we need to ensure those who protect us against the evil of illegal drugs are also safeguarded?

Thank you.

Before we begin our discussion, may we know if any of the Senators present today would like to deliver their opening statement?