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Advocates Philippines
Marcos Jr. Names Retired General Isagani Nerez As New PDEA Chief
Photo credit: PCO
Looks like there’s a new sheriff in town—well, at least in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed retired Maj. Gen. Isagani Nerez as the agency’s new chief, taking over the lead role in the government’s anti-narcotics campaign.
Nerez officially stepped into the position on Tuesday after being sworn in by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at Malacañang Palace. He replaces retired police general Moro Virgilio Lazo, who had been at the helm of PDEA since October 2022.
Who is Isagani Nerez?
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Nerez has quite the track record. A proud native of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, he’s a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Maharlika Class of 1984 and has spent decades in law enforcement.
Before this appointment, he was already working closely with the administration as the Undersecretary for Police Affairs at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs, a role he took on in 2022.
A Seasoned Law Enforcer
Nerez is no stranger to high-stakes operations. Over the years, he’s held key positions within the Philippine National Police (PNP), including stints at the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER) and the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Eastern Mindanao.
His background also includes time with elite units like the PNP Special Action Force (SAF), the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), and the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group. On top of that, he once led the Baguio City Police Office and later became the Chief Superintendent of the Cordillera Police Regional Office.
What’s Next for PDEA?
With Nerez now in charge, all eyes are on how he will steer PDEA’s anti-drug operations moving forward. Given his extensive experience in tackling organized crime and high-profile cases, expectations are high.
Will his leadership bring a fresh approach to the country’s ongoing drug problem? That remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure—this veteran cop has his work cut out for him.
Nerez officially stepped into the position on Tuesday after being sworn in by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at Malacañang Palace. He replaces retired police general Moro Virgilio Lazo, who had been at the helm of PDEA since October 2022.
Who is Isagani Nerez?
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Nerez has quite the track record. A proud native of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, he’s a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Maharlika Class of 1984 and has spent decades in law enforcement.
Before this appointment, he was already working closely with the administration as the Undersecretary for Police Affairs at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs, a role he took on in 2022.
A Seasoned Law Enforcer
Nerez is no stranger to high-stakes operations. Over the years, he’s held key positions within the Philippine National Police (PNP), including stints at the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER) and the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Eastern Mindanao.
His background also includes time with elite units like the PNP Special Action Force (SAF), the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), and the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group. On top of that, he once led the Baguio City Police Office and later became the Chief Superintendent of the Cordillera Police Regional Office.
What’s Next for PDEA?
With Nerez now in charge, all eyes are on how he will steer PDEA’s anti-drug operations moving forward. Given his extensive experience in tackling organized crime and high-profile cases, expectations are high.
Will his leadership bring a fresh approach to the country’s ongoing drug problem? That remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure—this veteran cop has his work cut out for him.
Feb 4, 2025
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