TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has been given much needed financial support in its fight against illegal drugs in this island province after the Provincial Government of Bohol allocated a revolving fund amounting to P250,000 to be used in drug buy-bust operations.

Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado has signed Executive Order No. 16 that does not only release the seed money for the anti-drug operations here but also to reaffirm

Bohol’s support for Government’s anti-drug operations in the country.

The said revolving fund, according to Aumentado, was sourced from the Capitol’s intelligence funds and would be primarily used to set up buy-bust operations to aid often cash-strapped anti-narcotic agencies. The fund would be subjected to the usual government audit policies, underlined the Bohol Governor.

Earlier, PDEA’s Intelligence Officer Steven Valles admitted that PDEA operates on a tight fund and budget replenishment is not that fast, hampering the agency’s operations.

The PDEA officer also admitted, last week, the lack of manpower to relentlessly pursue drug offenders so the need to deputize some members of the local police force is imperative.

The PDEA has conducted a three-day deputization seminar last week to formally expand its force and advance the anti-drug drive in Bohol.

According to the Dangerous Drugs Board, Central Visayas, where Bohol is located ranks as the country’s second largest user of drugs.