Around 35 operating personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are being trained on Global Positioning System(GPS)to enhance their competency in carrying out marijuana eradication operations through the proper mapping out of coordinates significantly lessening travel time of operating units and in landing troops to areas nearest to target-sites.

The training is conducted by the Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines, Incorporated (GEPI). Jo Raymund O. Fernandez, a Baguio boy and a fifth placer in the 1999 Geodetic Engineering board exam, orients participants of GPS units, the system and software being used, and map source. Fernandez also offered additional GPS receivers during the activity for training purposes.

The training includes practical exercises and tutoring on how to maximize the use of Google Earth. Aside from easing both navigation in the mountains and provision of data for pattern of marijuana cultivations, there are many benefits in GPS-guided anti-dangerous-drug operations.

One is obtaining data for map-making, particularly foot trails of unusual plantation sites. It can also be very useful in times of medical emergency during eradication operation or when there are hostile forces in the area, where evacuation or search and rescue maneuver is immediate. According to PDEA, the latest massive marijuana eradication in the tri-boundaries of Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and La Union had been efficiently carried out through the proper mapping out of coordinates. Primarily, travel time of operating units was significantly lessened wherein choppers were used and pilots were able to insert the troops to landing areas nearest to target-sites resulting in the eradication of more marijuana plantations.

Aliver E. Mangonon, GEPI CAR chapter president and other key officers were present during the training, showing strong support to its newfound shared venture with PDEA – CAR, for the sooner clearing of Cordillera communities from marijuana affectation. (PDEA CAR/PIA CAR)