PCG to intensify anti-drug operations

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vowed Thursday to intensify their anti-illegal drugs operations.

In a statement, the PCG said the order for intensified operations was in line with the directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen security measures on all entry points of the Philippine archipelagic waters to curb the entry of illegal drugs.

The PCG said it is working with fisherfolk and coastal communities in addressing the issue.

“We recognize how important fishermen are in recovering sacks of suspected shabu floating in our waters. With this recent directive, we commit to broadening our maritime security and safety patrols by deploying more personnel and floating assets that perform 24/7 operations, especially within Northwestern and Northeastern Luzon regions,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.

PCG acts as the first stop for fisherfolk to report discoveries of shabu for immediate coordination with concerned authorities.

Earlier, Marcos admitted in his podcast that the Philippines still has a drug problem, but that he is now working with the necessary authorities to “double down” on the issue.

“We still have a drug problem in this country, siyempre pumapasok pa rin 'yung shabu so sabi ko... Hulihin ninyo 'yung malalaki saka puntahan ninyo kung saan pumapasok, 'yun ang isara natin, and we're slowly doing that,” Marcos said during an episode of the BBM Podcast.

(Shabu continues to enter our country. I told them to catch big drug dealers and conduct operations in areas where illegal drugs enter.)

“Ito ngayon, sinabi ko sa Coast Guard at sa PNP, bantayan na ninyo kasi ayokong bumalik sa merkado 'yan. Sirain na ninyo kaagad, as quickly as possible, and make sure na andoon kayo para pag sinabing so many tons, ilang tonelada, 'yun talaga ang nandiyan... hindi nababawasan,” he added.

(I told the Coast Guard and the PNP to be vigilant because I don't want illegal drugs to return to the market. Destroy them immediately, as quickly as possible, and make sure that you're there so that when you mention how many tons, that's the specific figure. Audit the drugs properly and burn them.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/RSJ, GMA Integrated News