Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur C. Abalos has expressed optimism that the country’s war against illegal drugs can be won through an effective policing and intelligence gathering along with public’s support without resorting to violence and bloodbath.

Abalos made the statement shortly after the Philippine National Police-CALABARZON on Monday morning made a historic seizure of P13.3 billion worth of high-grade illegal drugs in Brgy. Pinagkrusan, Alitagtag, Batangas.

“This record-setting P13.3-B drug haul was a concrete proof that the government’s policy of bloodless and preventive-centered campaign against illegal drugs is on the right track,” he said.

Abalos further explained that while the government has been relentless in its fight against illegal drugs, it has trained its guns on preventing the use of banned substances and on rehabilitating drug users, instead of waging a bloody campaign against them and their suppliers.

He also expressed relief that the illegal substance was seized before it reached the hands of illegal drugs traders.

“Isipin na lang natin kung nakarating ito sa mga pusher at naibenta sa mga lansangan . Gaano kaya karaming mga buhay ng ating mga kabataan at kababayan ang sisirain nito,” he asked.

“We have been actively waging a war against drugs through our BIDA Program which focuses more on the prevention side while crafting policies on rehabilitation and law enforcement,” he added.

The previous biggest drug seizure recorded was P11 billion which was seized in Infanta, Quezon in March 2022 resulting in the arrest of at least 10 suspects who were riding in three vans.

Abalos said in a press briefing that the illegal drugs were seized from a van after it was flagged down on an intelligence-driven check point organized by the PNP- Alitagtag, Batangas municipal police at around 8:00 am today.

“Kami ay nandito ngayon upang i-announce na ito na siguro ang pinakamalaking huling droga sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa,” he said.

He was joined by newly-minted PNP Chief PBGen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil; Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Assistant Secretary Renato A. Gumban; Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas; PNP Region 4A Director BGen Paul Kenneth Lucas; and, other high-ranking officials of the PNP.

He said that the confiscated illegal drugs tested positive for metamphetamine hydrochloride as confirmed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The DILG Chief said that the apprehended suspect who was driving the van is under the custody of the PNP and will be charged with violation of Section 5 and 11 of Article 2 of RA 9165 of the Dangerous Comprehensive Drug Acts.

He likewise granted a spot promotion to team leader Police Captain Luis Q. De Luna to next higher rank or Major, for his excellent work in the conduct of the said operation and for resisting temptation involving the multi-billion pesos illegal drugs.

“On this day you are now promoted dahil sa kagalingang ginawa mo, sa katapangan mo and of course sa katapatan mo sa tungkulin. Hindi ka nasilaw, hindi mo binawasan ito, buong-buo mo naturn-over ang droga. Congratulations!,” Abalos said.

Original Article at: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/P133-B-shabu-seized-Abalos-says-governments-war-on-drugs-on-right-track/NC-2024-1076