Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Del Norte – In a monumental stride toward protecting public health and safety, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), in collaboration with law enforcement, judicial bodies, local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and the media, successfully destroyed 8,172,724.7 grams of dangerous drugs. Valued at an estimated ₱55,626,371.88, the illicit substances were incinerated at a designated facility, marking a major success in BARMM’s campaign against illegal drugs.
Regional Director Castro, who led the destruction, shared insights on the continued efforts in the region. “This is the second destruction I have overseen during my stint at PDEA BARMM. The first took place in Sulu on April 24, 2024, where over ₱65 million worth of illegal drugs were destroyed. With this sizeable quantity of illicit drugs eradicated today, we are saving countless lives from the dangers of illegal substances,” he stated.
The operation adheres to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165) and Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1, Series of 2002, which provide stringent guidelines for the handling and disposal of dangerous drugs. These protocols underscore the importance of accountability, ensuring that seized drugs are properly destroyed to eliminate any chance of their reintroduction into communities.
Since 2014, PDEA BARMM has organized 13 destruction events, eliminating a total of 58,537.8144 grams of dangerous drugs, with a street value of approximately ₱410.82 million. This ongoing initiative, including today’s large-scale operation, showcases the commitment of the Bangsamoro government and its partners to build a safer and more prosperous future for the region.
The latest drug destruction event highlights BARMM’s dedication to enforcing anti-drug policies and underscores the region’s unified approach in addressing drug-related issues. Through continued collaboration with multiple sectors, the Bangsamoro government reinforces its pledge to safeguard its citizens from the detrimental impact of illegal drugs, fostering hope and security within the Bangsamoro community.
