THE country’s relentless efforts to contain the illegal drugs trade has taken a notch higher with the creation of the Philippine Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association (PNEOA), a drug enforcement group that will institutionalize mutual cooperation between law enforcers and community leaders.

Befitting the formal launching of PNEOA chaired by Senate Majority Leader Vicente C. Sotto III, was the conferment of awards to dedicated men and women from the government’s anti-narcotics community which include nine from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) posthumously.

“It’s high time that we recognize the invaluable efforts of these law enforcement officers who have not only been instrumental to the success of government’s campaign against illegal drugs and drug abuse, but dedicated their own lives in winning the war against illegal drugs,” the Majority Leader said.

Included in the roster of outstanding law enforcement officers were former PDEA Director General Dionisio R. Santiago, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Magtangol B. Gatdula, current PDEA Director General Jose Gutierrez, and the newly appointed Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon and officers from the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Bureau of Customs, Philippine National Police, Philippine Marines and Philippine Air Force.

Sen. Sotto III led the ceremonies Monday night that carried the theme “Saving the Filipino Youth,” held at the Midas Hotel in Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, with Sen. Gregorio Honasan -- chairman of the Senate Committee on public order and dangerous drugs -- as guest of honor.

Patterned after the U.S.-based, non-profit membership organization of drug enforcement community, International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association (INOEA) where Sen. Sotto III has been conferred with the honor of a Hall of Famer Award, PNEOA aims to carry out the same objectives -- that of bringing in together law enforcers from various government offices engaged particularly in combating illegal drugs trade and substance abuse cases in the country.