THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced its largest destruction of illegal drugs since 2017, valued at over P560 million, during the quarterly meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) 7.
Outgoing Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, who chairs RPOC 7 and is stepping down to focus on his congressional duties, urged his successor to continue strengthening safety, security and stability across Central Visayas.
PDEA 7 Director Alex Tablate disclosed on Thursday, June 19, 2025, that the P560,402,548.28 worth of illegal drugs destroyed on June 5 marked the highest recorded value in the past eight years. The illegal drugs were reportedly confiscated in various operations with the Philippine National Police (PNP) across Cebu and Bohol from June 26, 2017, to June 5.
Data from July 26, 2017, to June 5, 2025, show authorities have destroyed over P3.2 billion worth of illegal drugs. This includes more than 462 kilograms (kg.) of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride), over 163 kg. of marijuana and around 3,000 MDMA (Ecstasy) tablets.
From January to May 31 this year, PDEA 7 arrested 12 drug personalities and 100 high-value targets.
Tablate expressed concern over the changing profile of those involved in illegal drugs, noting that it now includes the elderly, not just the youth.
“Decades ago, our focus was on the youth, particularly high school and college students, but it is unfortunate that with these current drug operations, people we didn’t expect to be involved are now getting involved. In recent anti-drug operations, even senior citizens have been found to be involved,” Tablate said in a mix of Tagalog and English.
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7, represented by Regional Operations Division Chief Col. Abubakar Mangelen Jr., reported an 81.98 percent performance rating for April.
Their achievements include 3,813 anti-illegal drug operations; 2,313 operations against loose firearms; the seizure of 77 kg. of illegal drugs; and the recovery of 2,394 unlicensed firearms. Authorities also apprehended 688 most wanted individuals.
Mangelen also highlighted a “radical shift” in regional safety enforcement with the implementation of the integrated Emergency 911 system, a single hotline for all rescue services.
When someone calls 911 and selects option “1” for police help, the call is instantly forwarded to the PNP Command Center, triggering emergency response procedures, as reported by the Philippine News Agency.
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) 7 successfully conducted the PNP Entrance, Promotional and Police Executive Service Eligibility Examinations from April 26 to 27.
The success of these exams is attributed to strong collaboration with the University of Cebu -Main Campus, Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School in Bogo City and PRO 7.
Napolcom has also conducted inspections and monitored police offices, stations and units across the region, including Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Cebu City, Cebu Province and Bohol, to ensure compliance with existing policies and operations.
Following the end-of-term meeting, the vacancy for the next RPOC 7 chairperson was approved. Congressman-elect and outgoing Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan expressed gratitude as he prepares to leave his post, hoping the next chair will continue prioritizing public safety and security.
Department of the Interior and Local Government 7 Director Leocadio Trovela informed reporters that with the chairperson position vacant, regional directors from either the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the PNP will temporarily preside over meetings.
The appointment of the new RPOC chair, who must be a local chief executive (mayor or governor) and already a council member, rests with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The DILG is set to submit a shortlist of three to five nominees.
Other resolutions approved during the meeting include the strict enforcement of the ban on the sale of liquor and alcoholic beverages to minors.
Trovela said an inventory of local government ordinances is underway to ensure compliance, with officials monitoring violations as part of President Marcos’ mandate. The implementation of the National Action Plan for Unity, Peace and Development for 2025–2028 was also approved. / DPC / JAIRUS ANTONIO ZOILO AMORA, HOLY NAME UNIVERSITY INTERN AND YVON MARATS, BENEDICTO COLLEGE INTERN