MANILA – Malacañang on Monday praised the bravery and civic-mindedness of Ilocos Norte fisherfolk who recovered and surrendered PHP20.4 million worth of shabu found floating off the province's coast last week.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported that three separate packs of suspected shabu -- each weighing at least three kilograms and bearing Chinese character markings -- were discovered drifting near the shorelines of Pangil, Currimao; La Paz, Laoag City; and Masintoc, Paoay.
The illegal drugs were turned over to authorities on June 12 and 13 through the coordinated efforts of the PDEA Ilocos Norte Provincial Office, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro hailed the fisherfolk involved for their swift action and integrity.
“Mga ordinaryong mamamayan, katuwang ng pamahalaan, pamarisan sana ng nakakarami ang inyong katapangan at kabayanihan. Saludo po kami sa inyo.” (Ordinary citizens, partners of the government, may your courage and heroism serve as an example to many. We salute you),” Castro said during a briefing at Malacañang in Manila.
The discovery 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 kilograms of shabu, valued at PHP8.8 billion, were similarly found by coastal communities.
Investigations into the source and intended destination of the drugs are ongoing. (PNA)