THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Western Visayas said it is strictly monitoring crucial routes to assure a peaceful and orderly celebration of the 51st Iloilo Dinagyang Festival on January 25-27.

In a media interview during his courtesy call with Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. on Wednesday, January 9, PDEA-Western Visayas officer-in-charge Alex Tablate said they regularly conduct monitoring of seaports and airports to intercept attempted transport of illegal drugs.

“We know that Panay is an island so we expect a lot of entry points...And with this kind of event, we know that there will be an influx of tourists and drug personalities will take advantage of that,” he said.

K-9 dogs are also being deployed, particularly in Dumangas port.

Tablate said the success of the operation also lies on the participation of the community.

He also thanked Defensor for the continued support he has given to the agency.

“As long as you follow the law, you have my full support,” the governor said.

PDEA recorded a notable decrease in the supply of illegal drugs in Western Visayas compared to the previous years since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed. (PR)