Baguio city: The killing of a young Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) intelligence officer during an anti-drug operation in Tawi-Tawi underscores the need for stronger protection and security for personnel on the frontlines, Senator Erwin Tulfo said Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo paid tribute to PDEA Intelligence Officer I Enfernie Jim Dayag, 29, of Baguio City, who was killed during a drug-bust operation in Barangay Paniongan in Bongao town on August 9. 'Kung kayo ay pumoprotekta sa bayan laban sa iligal na droga, tayo ay lalaban para sa pagpupugay sa inyong serbisyo, proteksyon ng inyong buhay, at seguridad ng inyong pamilya (If you are protecting the country against illegal drugs, we will fight to honor your service, protect your lives and secure your families),' Tulfo said in a news release.
The senator mentioned that three members and the commander of the 4th Marine Battalion Landing Team were also wounded in the encounter. Tulfo highlighted Dayag's significant role in disrupting a large-scale illegal drug distribution operation that could have affected areas beyond Tawi-Tawi. 'Mahalaga ang naging tungkulin ni Agent Dayag sa pagpigil sa isang malawakang operasyon ng pagpapakalat ng iligal na droga (Agent Dayag played an important role in stopping a large-scale operation involving the distribution of illegal drugs),' he said.
The incident has prompted Tulfo to reaffirm his support for the proposed Magna Carta of PDEA Officers and Personnel, which he believes should recognize the risks faced by anti-drug operatives and provide greater protection for them and their families. 'Snappy salute kay Agent Dayag at sa lahat ng mga PDEA Agents. Asahan po ninyo ang patuloy kong suporta sa pagsusulong ng Magna Carta of PDEA Officers and Personnel (A snappy salute to Agent Dayag and all PDEA agents. You can count on my continued support for the proposed Magna Carta of PDEA Officers and Personnel),' Tulfo stated.
He also expressed condolences to Dayag's family and the community he left behind, describing the slain agent as a courageous public servant who gave his life in the fight against illegal drugs.
