PDEA-6 Denies Viral ‘Drug Target List ‘as Fake

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 6 (PDEA-6) has dismissed as fake the document circulating online that allegedly lists high-value drug targets in Western Visayas.

In a press statement issued April 21, the agency said the document, which bore the PDEA-6 letterhead, was falsified.

“Upon verification, the format, header, and watermark used in the circulating material do not conform to PDEA’s official templates and standards,” the agency said.

Ma. Graziella Tanaleon, PDEA-6 public information officer, emphasized that the agency does not have such a list.

“This act is a form of disinformation and an attempt to mislead the public by using the agency’s name and credibility,” she said.

Tanaleon said the document was received through PDEA-RO6’s official email at 12:34 a.m. on April 21.

It was then forwarded to the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Section for verification.

“We later found out it was already shared online,” she said.

At this time, Tanaleon said they cannot speculate on who may be behind the document’s circulation.

“What we can confirm is that these are not official releases from PDEA. Our intel unit has yet to provide an update on the investigation,” she added.

PDEA also urged the public to be cautious and responsible when sharing information online.

“We urge the public to verify content through official government platforms or PDEA’s verified social media accounts,” Tanaleon said.

She also encouraged the public to report suspicious posts or documents to PDEA or the nearest law enforcement agency.

Tanaleon assured that PDEA remains committed to its mandate of protecting the public from illegal drugs through lawful, fair, and non-partisan enforcement of the law.