President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed satisfaction on Monday following the progress in the government’s efforts to combat illegal drugs at the grassroots level.
This comes in the wake of a Philippine National Police (PNP) report which said authorities were able to confiscate approximately P10.4 billion worth of narcotics in 2023, along with the successful clearance of a substantial number of barangays from drugs.
“The PNP has reported that we have successfully confiscated an estimated 10.4 billion pesos worth of illegal drugs in 2023. We can say that 27,968 barangays have been declared drug-free,” the President said.
He emphasized the positive i pact of this progress at the grassroots level, highlighting that once a barangay is cleared, it becomes easier to monitor and manage.
Additionally, he underscored the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and prevention efforts, ensuring assistance to those affected by drugs through rehabilitation centers.
The national government has actively engaged in addressing the issue of illegal drugs locally, co lab rating with 50 provinces, 1,160 municipalities, and 30 cities in the implementation of Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs).
Airport general manager in Manila Jose Eric Ines meanwhile said he has ordered his men to investigate and identify the owner of the illegal drugs found in an out-of-service kitchen area in the former lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport – Terminal 1. Joel E. Zurbano Found in the long-closed and secure location were approximately 1.6 kilos of a substance, believed to be methamphetamine, with an estimated value of P10 million, encased in deteriorated plastic pouches wrapped in black tape.
Following the incident, Ines has instructed a full K9 sweep of the entire area, including adjacent spaces, and the cordoning off of the area to ensure a thorough and comprehensive search.
The seized area, closed since during the pandemic and only recently opened for potential renovation, suggests that the drugs had been concealed there for a considerable time.
This was the second time the airport personnel discovered a pack of prohibited substance in the area. Last month, an improvised pouch containing 3,180 grams of shabu with a street value of P21.6 million was found.
Ines said his agency continues to enhance its security protocols in response to these incidents, aiming for a secure, safe, and drug-free airport environment. With Joel E. Zurbano