MANILA – The Marcos administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal drugs has yielded over ₱62 billion worth of seized narcotics and led to the arrest of more than 149,000 individuals since President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assumed office in July 2022.
Data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) show that from July 2022 to May 2025, authorities conducted 110,563 anti-drug operations, resulting in the apprehension of 149,020 suspects, including 9,506 high-value targets.
“Mas pinaigting pa ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang operasyon laban sa iligal na droga,” said Presidential Communications Office’s Undersecretary Claire Castro during a Palace briefing.
Of those arrested, 141,837 individuals have been charged. A total of 53,938 cases have been resolved, with 47,438 resulting in convictions.
The government also reported progress in its Barangay Drug Clearing Program, declaring 4,027 barangays nationwide as drug-cleared as of May 2025.
In terms of rehabilitation, 9,713 drug offenders have completed reformation programs, while 2,761 have received livelihood assistance to aid in their reintegration.
Castro also noted the establishment of 607 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers across the country—community-based facilities meant to provide a second chance for former drug dependents and offenders./PN
