Pubdate: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer (Philippines) Copyright: 2005 Philippine Daily Inquirer Contact: http://www.inquirer.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1073 Author: Romy G. Amarado Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?236 (Corruption - Outside U.S.) Cited: Philippine National Police http://www.pnp.gov.ph Cited: Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency http://www.pdea.gov.ph NEW TEAM FORMED TO TRACK DRUG FIENDS A task force composed of members of intelligence personnel from different law enforcement agencies have been formed to track down drug personalities and law enforcers involved in the illegal drug trade. A brainchild of Negros Oriental Gov. George P. Arnaiz, the task force was created last week to enhance and strengthen provincial government's anti-drug campaign. "There is really a need for all the law enforcement agencies to be helping each other in order to gain headway in the campaign against illegal drugs," the governor said. He said that in the past, law enforcers from the different agencies tend to keep their respective intelligence reports for their own consumption because there was no proper coordination. The governor said sharing of information would be a major factor in building up cases against those involved in the drug trade. Provincial Prosecutor Diosdado Hermosa has earlier lamented that many drug cases were dismissed because of lack of evidence. To be headed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial director, the task force will be composed of two representatives each from the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Dumaguete PNP, police provincial office, Maritime Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. - ---