Recall of PDEG SOU operatives now in the works

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 15) — The recall of operatives assigned to different special operation units (SOU) in the Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PEDG) is now in the works.

In a press briefing on Monday, PNP spokesperson PCol Jean Fajardo said the PDEG is now preparing the transfer of more than 700 SOU operatives from different regions to headquarters.

Fajardo said this is prior to the finalization of the complete dissolution of SOUs.

"On the part of the PDEG ay kausap ko kanina yung kanilang director si General Faro Olaguera, na according to him while enroute yung dokumento ay they are now preparing for the possible transport nitong kanilang mga tao dito sa NHQ (national headquarters)," said Fajardo.

[Translation: I spoke earlier with PDEG director General Faro Olaguera, and according to him while the documents are enroute, they are now preparing for the possible transport of their personnel to the NHQ.]

Fajardo added that billeting areas and programs spearheaded by the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development are being prepared to help refresh personnel on the do’s and don'ts with respect to the implementation of anti-illegal drugs operations.

According to Fajardo, the matter on the abolition of SOUs is still being reviewed by different directorates.

Once they have submitted their inputs, the PNP will forward the matter to the National Police Commission for another set of review and recommendation.

"As soon as maaprubahahan ni Chief PNP yung recommendation ng mga concerned directorates ay ifo-forward natin ‘yan sa Napolcom for review and recommendations, and once ma-deactivate ‘yun ay doon sisimulan ‘yung transfer and transport ng mga PNP personnel affected," she explained.

[Translation: Once the PNP Chief approves the recommendations of concerned directorates, this will be forwarded to the National Police Commission for review and recommendations, and once deactivated, the transfer and transport of PNP personnel will begin.]

It was PNP Chief PGen Benjamin Acorda who recommended the deactivation of all PDEG SOUs in the country following the involvement of some of its operatives in the pilferage of 42 kilograms of shabu from a massive drug haul in Tondo Manila last year.