THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency yesterday threw its full support behind President Benig-no Aquino III’s decision to deny clemency to convicted drug offenders and rapists.

PDEA chair Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. said he welcomes the directive issued by Aquino to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to exclude prisoners convicted of violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and rape from the list of inmates recommended for presidential pardon.

De Lima said that they were also tasked by the President to amend the guidelines of the executive clemency policy to ensure the presidential pardon is given only to deserving prisoners.

“This is a clear indicator that we are on the right track in our crusade against illegal drugs. We must rally behind the President towards a realization of the vision of a Drug-Free Philippines,” Gutierrez said.