Ang Pahayagan

CAVITE — In a major blow to the illegal drug trade, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) destroyed PHP16.08 billion worth of dangerous drugs on Thursday, October 9, 2025, marking the second-largest drug destruction in the country’s law enforcement history.

The destruction, held at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. (IWMI) in Barangay Aguado, Trece Martires City, was witnessed by key officials including House Committee on Dangerous Drugs Chairperson Rep. Jonathan Keith T. Flores of Bukidnon, Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman Secretary Oscar F. Valenzuela, PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez, and Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, along with representatives from the DOJ, DILG, local government, NGOs, and media partners.

A total of 2,904,756.6818 grams of solid and 14,117.85 milliliters of liquid illegal drugs were destroyed through thermal decomposition or thermolysis. Among those burned were 2.3 million grams of shabu, 529,906 grams of marijuana, 8,790 grams of cocaine, 11,315 grams of ketamine, and other prohibited substances.

The seized drugs came from various anti-drug operations conducted nationwide by PDEA and partner law enforcement agencies, including those recently ordered by the courts to be destroyed. The process, which ensures drugs are rendered beyond recovery, was conducted under tight security and in full public view to maintain transparency and prevent drug recycling.

Among the notable consignments destroyed were 1.48 tons of shabu intercepted along the waters of Subic, Zambales in June 2025, 239 kilograms seized in Dasmariñas, Cavite in 2021, and 119 kilograms confiscated in Calapan City last March. Additionally, 143 kilograms of floating shabu packs recovered by fishermen in Bataan and Batanes were also incinerated.

PDEA Director General Isagani R. Nerez emphasized that the agency remains fully committed to transparency and accountability, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” initiative.

“The destruction process is always done in full public view guided by transparency and accountability to address issues of drug recycling. Our actions are open to the Filipino people,” Nerez said.

The PHP16-billion drug destruction is second only to the PHP19.9 billion (3.7 tons) of drugs destroyed in March 2023—both under the current administration.

Since assuming office eight months ago, Nerez has overseen 14 drug destruction activities nationwide, amounting to nearly PHP33 billion worth of confiscated illegal drugs.

He commended the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) for the prompt prosecution and resolution of drug cases, as well as the cooperation of law enforcement agencies in sustaining the government’s intensified anti-drug campaign.

“This is in response to the directive of President Marcos to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs by going after high-level traffickers and ensuring that seized drugs are quickly destroyed,” Nerez added.

The PDEA assured the public that similar destruction activities will continue across the country as part of its ongoing efforts to eradicate the menace of illegal drugs and safeguard communities nationwide. (Jason de Asis)