DAVAO CITY — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) destroyed more than ₱48.6 million worth of seized, confiscated, and voluntarily surrendered illegal drugs from Regions 11 and 13 on Wednesday, June 17, as part of the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) 2026.
The destruction activity, led by PDEA Regional Office 11 under Regional Director Atty. Benjamin G. Gaspi and PDEA Regional Office 13 headed by Regional Director Laurefel G. Gabales, was conducted at around 9:00 a.m. at Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes along J. Camus Extension corner Jose Abad Santos Street in Davao City.
Using the facility’s thermal incinerator, authorities destroyed a total of ₱48,609,508.04 worth of illegal drugs and other prohibited substances, underscoring the government’s continued commitment to eliminating dangerous drugs and preventing their re-entry into communities.
The bulk of the destroyed contraband came from Region 11, where authorities disposed of 5,505.1667 grams of shabu valued at ₱37.44 million. Also destroyed were 13,279.3527 grams of marijuana worth ₱1.59 million, 0.9467 grams of cocaine valued at ₱5,017, 494 ecstasy tablets worth ₱839,800, and 162 vape products valued at ₱11,900. Other dangerous drugs with a combined value of ₱1,389.32 were likewise included in the destruction process.
Meanwhile, Region 13 contributed 1,267.3105 grams of shabu valued at ₱8.62 million, 832.7827 grams of marijuana worth ₱99,933.92, and three ecstasy tablets with a total value of ₱5,100.
The destruction was carried out in strict compliance with Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Under the law, seized drug evidence must be properly accounted for and destroyed after the completion of legal procedures to ensure transparency and prevent misuse or recycling of confiscated substances.
To guarantee the integrity of the process, the activity was witnessed by Davao City Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Rowena M. Apao-Adlawan, representatives from the Department of Justice, the Public Attorney’s Office, an elected public official, civil society organizations, and members of the media.
The presence of multiple stakeholders highlighted the government’s efforts to maintain public confidence in its anti-drug campaign through transparency and accountability.
In a statement, Gaspi emphasized the agency’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of anti-drug operations and ensuring the proper handling of evidence.
“PDEA Regional Office 11 continues to uphold the integrity of the government’s anti-drug efforts through the proper custody, management, and destruction of drug evidence in accordance with the law. This activity demonstrates our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of a drug-free community,” Gaspi said.
The destruction activity forms part of the nationwide observance of IDADAIT 2026, which carries the theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges: Innovative Responses.”
The theme highlights the continuing global challenge posed by illegal drugs while calling for innovative and adaptive strategies to address emerging threats and evolving drug-related issues. For Philippine authorities, the destruction of nearly ₱50 million worth of illegal drugs serves as both a symbolic and concrete step in reinforcing the government’s campaign against narcotics and its commitment to protecting communities from the harmful effects of substance abuse and trafficking.
PDEA officials reiterated that beyond enforcement operations, sustained collaboration among government agencies, local communities, civil society groups, and the public remains crucial in achieving the shared goal of a safer and drug-free Philippines.