SAF troopers eyed to fight drug traffickingMANILA, Philippines — From fighting suspected rebels and terrorists, members of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) could soon be battling illegal drug syndicates. PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said yesterday transferring SAF troopers to the police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) could be an option. “We will consider getting personnel from SAF, particularly those who… want to have some changes in their pattern of law enforcement life,” he said. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the SAF’s 40th founding anniversary at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, Acorda noted that “whenever there are questions or whenever there are trust issues, we always consider SAF.”However, Acorda clarified that transferring police commandos to the PDEG is not yet final as they don’t want to diminish the strength of the SAF, the PNP’s elite strike force trained in internal security, counterterrorism and rescue operations. The PDEG is embroiled in controversy after some of its personnel were accused of being “ninja cops” or police officers involved in the illegal drug trade.
