PBBM names veteran journalist Torres as PIA director-general

By Vince Lopez and Ronald Reyes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday has appointed award-winning journalist and two-time National Book Award recipient Jose Torres Jr. as director general of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

The appointment of Torres, known for his acumen in investigative reporting and vast experience in journalist, was seen to strengthen PIA’s mission of disseminating information about government programs, projects, and services to the Filipino public.

“I am grateful to President Marcos for the opportunity and the privilege to serve the country in these trying times of misinformation and disinformation,” said Torres, who has been covering Pope Francis’s trips to Asia in recent years as a member of the Vatican Accredited Media Personnel.

The PIA serves as the country’s primary information arm, with a network span- tody and will be charged with violating Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Drug Act, and RA 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) before the Pasay City prosecutor’s office.

Airport authorities have heightened vigilance in the campaign against illegal drug trafficking in a bid to discourage international drug syndicates from using the Philippines as a transshipment point for illegal substance. Customs officials said their campaign against the drug trade full supports Commissioner Bien Rubio’s border control initiatives.

Two months ago, a Turkish national was also caught with a luggage loaded with cocaine worth more than P28.8 million at the airport. The suspect Kemal Ozenir brought in the luggage from Dubai via Emirates Airlines flight EK332

In October, Customs agents also arrested a Norwegian tourist for bringing in a shipment of eight kilos of shabu worth P56.7 million.