THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is continuously validating the gravity of the proliferation of illegal drugs in the Bicol region, particularly in Naga City, following the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte that it was a “hotbed of shabu” in the country.

Bicol region police director Chief Superintendent Arnel Escobal said based on the report of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Naga City has the most number of barangay officials involved in illegal drugs but for it to be called a “hotbed of shabu,” they still need to conduct further verification.

“With that pronouncement from the President, we will further intensify our anti-illegal drugs operations in coordination with the PDEA 5 in Naga City and the whole of Bicol Region,” he said.

Earlier, Duterte said based on intelligence information, the Naga City is a hotbed of illegal drugs and having Vice-President Leni Robredo, who is a native of the said City and whose husband, late interior Jesse Robredo who served as a mayor there, as his successor will not be a good idea particularly in the government’s fight against illegal drugs.

PDEA Southern Luzon chief Christian Frivaldo said as compared to Naga City, the Metro Manila remains the most problematic of illegal drugs.

In a report, the PDEA said 76.98 percent of the total barangays in the Bicol Region is infested with illegal drugs.

In the Naga City alone, of the 27 barangays, 15 has massive problem on illegal drugs. (SunStar Philippines)