PDEA on alert vs illegal drugs in Negros festivals

MANILA, Philippines - Despite the controversy its top officials are facing in Metro Manila, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is gearing to stop the spread of drugs in two upcoming festivals in Negros Occidental. Online news site Visayan Daily Star reported that the PDEA is keeping watch over the the Dinagsa Festival in Cadiz City and the Sinulog Festival in Kabankalan City. PDEA provincial officer-in-charge PO2 Cirilo Baluma Jr. said they will conduct surveillance operations during the activities of both celebrations for the possible entry of illegal drugs like shabu and marijuana. In Bacolod City, police director Senior Superintendent Ronilo Quebrar said they are verifying reports of peddling and use of the synthetic prohibited drug, ecstasy. This was in the wake of the controversy surrounding the arrest of three members of prominent families tagged in the sale of the substance. - GMANews.TV