MANILA, April 13 -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have strengthened their partnership to combat shipments of illegal drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs) to Philippine territory.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Moro Virgilio Lazo and PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) at the PDEA national headquarters in Quezon City on Friday.

"Both parties have agreed to hold regular meetings for the purpose of discussing operational matters, the current status of the programs, the formulation of necessary strategies to facilitate the accomplishments of the MoA's objectives, and exchange best practices and knowledge on drug smuggli...