ASIDE from preventing terrorism, Task Force Davao (TFD) reported that from January to December 2019, they have apprehended a total of 84 individuals involved in illegal drugs with P4.7 million worth of illegal drugs seized.

TFD commander Colonel Consolito Yecla said that these individuals were arrested while crossing in their border checkpoints located in Lasang, Calinan, and Toril in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Yecla, earlier said that no person arrested has been gunned down and killed during their anti-drug operation.

“It means na kayang-kayang gawin yong pag neutralize without resulting to death of suspected drug violators,” he said.

(It means that we are able to neutralize the arrests without resulting to death of suspected drug violators.)

This accomplishment also indicates that they are supporting the anti-illegal drug campaign of the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

On Saturday, Yecla said they intercepted another man carrying illegal drugs worth P239, 550 at their checkpoint in Sirawan, Toril while onboard his vehicle.

He identified the suspect as Al Rasheed Jumalon Makalayon, 27, single and resident of Peñafrancia Village, Cotabato City. Recovered from Makalayon’s possession were four sachets of shabu with an estimated weight of 15.97 grams and the estimated street value of P239, 550.

The arrested was onboard in a silver Focus Ford traveling from Cotabato going to Bankerohan, Davao City.

"I applaud the troops for a job well done. Despite a hectic schedule during this Christmas season, they are still able to support the city government's campaign against illegal drugs,” Yecla said.

The suspect and the items were turned over to Toril Police Station for a proper disposition of appropriate charges in violation of RA 9165 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Yecla said that earlier this year, following the request of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to lift the martial law, they have stepped up a counter measures to fill the security gap once it is lifted.

“In June this year, we started strengthening our defense system. Napakarami na ng innovations natin. May mga strengthening din tayo ng checkpoints, we have developed a culture of security,” Yecla said.