President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to intensify security at all major drug entry points and ensure that confiscated narcotics are destroyed immediately to prevent them from reentering the streets.
“Sinabi ko sa Coast Guard at saka PNP, bantayan na ninyo dahil ayokong bumalik sa merkado 'yan. Sirain na ninyo agad. As quickly as possible (I told the Coast Guard and the PNP to keep watch because I don’t want those drugs returning to the market. Destroy them immediately),” Marcos said in his latest podcast aired Wednesday.
The President’s directive forms part of a recalibrated national drug strategy focused on stopping narcotics at the source—ports, coastlines, and other maritime routes—where large-volume smuggling operations are known to occur.
He stressed the need for full transparency and the physical presence of law enforcement during destruction.
“Make sure na nandun kayo para pag sinabing so many tons, ilang tonelada, 'yan talaga ang nandiyan. Hindi nababawasan. Bilangin ninyo nang husto, tapos buhusan nyo ng gasolina, sunugin na ninyo (Make sure you are there so when they say it’s several tons, it’s really all there. Nothing’s missing. Count it thoroughly, then douse it with gasoline and burn it),” he said.
The President’s remarks came on the heels of massive hauls in Zambales, Bataan, Ilocos Sur, and Pangasinan provinces on June 10, where 66 sacks containing 1,297.9 kg. of shabu, valued at PHP8.8 billion, were similarly found by coastal communities.
The Chief Executive also emphasized that while the administration is cracking down on big-time syndicates, small-scale drug activity cannot thrive in the communities, requiring parallel ground-level interventions.
“Kaya ‘yung Cops on the Beat, that’s the solution to that,” he said, referring to the foot patrol visibility program launched under PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
Despite increased drug seizures in recent years, Marcos said statistics are not enough unless the public sees and feels the change.
“It’s not sufficient that you are safe, you must feel safe,” he said. (PNA)