PDEA, Indonesia ink MoU vs drug trafficking

February 9, 2015 — President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia was in Malacañan Palace today, as part of his first state visit to the Philippines. After arrival honors led by President Benigno S. Aquino III, President Widodo signed the Palace Guest Book, and, with President Aquino, witnessed a signing of agreements between the Philippines and Indonesia, at the Palace Reception Hall.
After an expanded bilateral meeting, the two leaders delivered remarks, after which President Aquino hosted a state dinner in honor of President Widodo and his spouse. (Photos by the Malacañang Photo Bureau).

MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and National Narcotics Board, or dubbed as Badan Narkotika Nasional (BNN) of the Republic of Indonesia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday to deepen collaborative efforts against the illegal drug operations. The signing was held at the Reception Hall, Malacañan Palace.

“Recognizing that illegal drugs pose a serious threat to the people’s health, security and general welfare and adversely affect a nation’s economic, social, cultural and political foundations, the Philippines and Indonesia have pledged to work together to liberate their territories from the clutches of the drug menace,” said PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac, Jr.

Under the MoU, both countries agreed to strengthen their collaboration with each other in exchanging information on intelligence materials, methods of drug trafficking and their possible routes, and new forms of illegal drugs.

This cooperation aims to fight against trafficking and abuse of illegal drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors

“The MoU embodies more than just a set of printed materials. Rather, it manifests in the strongest possible terms the ardent desires of both countries to pool their manpower, expertise, resources and efforts towards the achievement of a common goal,” the PDEA chief said.

The MoU was signed by Cacdac and Anang Iskandar, Head of BNN, Indonesia.

The signing was the highlight of the State Visit of Republic of Indonesia President Joko Widodo to Philippines on Monday.