AFP to provide medical examiners to support PDEA

January 29, 2020

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Wednesday.

Capt. Jonathan Zata, public affairs chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said the agreement that was signed at the PDEA headquarters in Quezon City, will be valid for one year and will take effect upon the approval of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Zata said under the agreement the military will provide medical and physical examiners to support the PDEA.

"The MOA was sought with PDEA to augment the agency’s evaluation of applicants for its Drug Enforcement Officers positions in line with the agency's commitment to impose the highest standards of fitness on its operatives," said Zata.

Medical professionals that comprise the AFP's Medical Board No.1 will be made available to assist PDEA in evaluation, re-evaluation, and validation of medical, physical, and dental examination results to ensure that applicants are fit to perform the duties of a Drug Enforcement Officer, he said.

The Board includes an internist, cardiologist, general surgeon, radiologist, ophthalmologist, ENT, OB-gynecologist, and orthopedic surgeon/specialist who also examine entrants in the Philippine Military Academy, he added.

Zata said the agreement stated that "PDEA is in need of a highly organized medical government physician specialists to evaluate and validate the results of physical examinations of PDEA Intelligence Officer I candidates conducted in the different selected examining facilities in the country."

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino emphasized that the agreement is a "big boost to the selection process of aspiring PDEA agents". 

“We are fortunate to be with the AFP in the signing of this agreement as we need to ensure that our DEOs are fit for the rigorous six-month training," said Aquino.

"The agreement is definitely a big boost to the selection process of aspiring PDEA agents to determine their fitness to undergo the rigorous training,” he added.

AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr., emphasized how the military values it partnership with PDEA.

"The AFP is with you and gives its full support on the war on drugs. We deeply value our partnership and we look forward to realizing our common vision of securing lasting peace in our country," Santos said. Robina Asido/DMS