PBBM names new PDEA chief

Malacañang has yet to release a copy of Nerez’s appointment paper. (File Photo: PDEA Top Stories/Facebook)

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed retired Maj. Gen. Isagani Nerez as the new head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Malacañang announced Tuesday.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed Nerez’s appointment in a text message to Palace reporters.

Malacañang has yet to release a copy of Nerez’s appointment paper.

Nerez, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Maharlika Class of 1984, is also a lawyer.

In 2022, Marcos tapped Nerez as Undersecretary for Police Affairs of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs.

Nerez served in various capacities in different units of the Philippine National Police such as the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response and the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations, Eastern Mindanao.

He was also part of the PNP Special Action Force, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force, and the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group.

He also previously served as the Chief of the Baguio City Police Office and became Chief Superintendent of the Cordillera Police Regional Office.

Nerez replaced retired police general Moro Virgilio, who was appointed as PDEA chief in October 2022.

The PDEA, the government’s lead agency in the anti-narcotics campaign, is responsible for the efficient law enforcement of all provisions on any dangerous drugs or precursors and essentials.