The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency yesterday welcomed the designation of retired police general Isidro Lapeña by president-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte as new PDEA director general.
Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac Jr., incumbent PDEA director general, lauded the selection of Lapeña as the next chief of the country’s premier anti-drug agency.
Lapeña, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1973, had a long, colorful and distinguished career as a decorated police officer.
He was the Philippine National Police Director for Operations, Chief of the Directorial Staff, Davao Region Police Director, and Cotabato City Police Director before retiring.
“He (Lapeña) has a proven track record in the uniformed service that reflects the trust and confidence in his leadership and capability to accomplish the gargantuan task of ridding the country of illegal drugs,” Cacdsc said.
“He is a man of integrity, a must criterion for Cabinet appointments in the administration of President Duterte,” he added.
Lapeña’s appointment was announced during a press conference in Panacan, Davao City on May 31. (Francis T. Wakefield)