THE legal counsel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Davao recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte to include the fight against illegal drugs in the implementation of martial law in Mindanao to expedite the arrest of illegal drug lords and narco-politicians, who allegedly finance the terrorists' activities in the southern part of the country.

Lawyer Ben Joseph Tesiorna, the legal counsel for PDEA-Davao, Wednesday, June 7, told reporters during the AFP-PNP press forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel that after they were directed to formulate an action plan amidst the martial law declaration, they submitted the proposal, which was presented to the President last week to PDEA director General Isidro Lapea.

"If the illegal drugs (campaign) will be included in martial law, then maybe we can bypass or somehow relax the requirements for us to take actions against them. So we really hope it will be approved," Tesiorna said, adding that they submitted the list of names of individuals linked to illegal drug trade in Davao Region.

Part of the recommendation as well is the request for additional funds and logistics like vest, guns and vehicles that will help them in effectively carrying out their advocacy campaign and drug bust against big time drug lords, who allegedly fund the terrorists.

"If that would be approved, that would greatly assist us in the implementation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 with the cooperation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, being the implementers of the martial law," he added.

The PDEA-Davao, likewise, wanted to achieve significant accomplishments within the 60-day effectivity of martial law declared by President Duterte on the heels of the Marawi crisis due to terror attacks initiated by Isis-inspired local terrorist, Maute Group.

Tesiorna, however, said that they are having a hard time to arrest illegal drug peddlers because of the judicial processes, especially in preparing necessary requirements in the application of search warrant. They are required to prove first that a certain person is really involved, otherwise, they will not obtain such.

"Mahirap kumuha ng (Its hard to acquire) search warrant especially (because) these persons are not dumb, they are not stupid. They won't be actually handling drugs dito but we know they are connected," he said.

Drug money fuels terrorism

Tesiorna bared that they are monitoring drug operators from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) that is attempting to penetrate the city.

Omar and Abdualla Maute, former police officers and the leaders of the Maute Group, who pledged allegiance to Isis, were previously involved in illegal drug trade in Armm that resulted to their dismissal from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"(The) Maute naman (is) connected (to illegal drugs). In fact, the Maute brothers, we have reliable information that they were previously involved in illegal drugs," he said.

Tesiorna noted that they have received information that part of the money was funded by narco-politicians where some are active and some are former officials.

Earlier, Duterte claimed that drug money was used as a source to fuel the terrorism activities in the country.

Under Article 7, Section 18 of the Constitution, states that "in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, the president may, for a period not exceeding 60 days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law."

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PDEA lawyer wants war on drugs included in martial law | SunStar - Sun.Star