House Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said yesterday that recent drug busts in Davao gives the impression that the region is emerging as a hub for illegal narcotics.
Acidre said in a news conference that this development appears to contradict former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s claim that Davao is safe from illegal drugs.
He said that on February 15, law enforcement agencies conducted a major operation in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, seizing approximately 6.5 kilograms of shabu valued at ₱44.4 million and arresting two suspects.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern, the lawmaker said. Earlier, on February 8, authorities intercepted ₱6.9 million worth of illegal drugs at the Sirawan Entry Point in Toril District, Davao City.
Additionally, on January 10, two individuals were apprehended at a Davao City checkpoint with suspected shabu valued over ₱1 million.
PCol. Hansel Marantan, acting director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), has reported that Davao police conducted 26 operations; made 32 arrests; and seired 122.654 grams of shabu and 27.6 grams of marijuana in in the past week.
“Was the image of the anti-illegal drug propagated by the Dutertes merely a façade to obscure more nefarious activities? Why does Davao itself seem to be the center of the sale of shabu? Is it a war on drugs, or a war FOR drugs?” asked Acidre.
Recent revelations amplify these concerns. In October 2024, former President Duterte himself admitted to operating a “death squad” during his tenure as Davao City mayor, tasked with eliminating criminals. Such disclosures have led to increased scrutiny of the true nature of the anti-drug operations.
Acidre emphasized the necessity for accountability and transparency from former President Duterte and his affiliates.