ILOILO City – Following high praise from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) vowed to sustain and intensify its campaign against illegal drugs.
PDEA’s Western Visayas director Ralph Rommel Torres said the President’s recognition validates their hard work and motivates the agency to double down on its anti-narcotics efforts.
“This proves that our efforts are not in vain. The President’s recognition is a great honor and a source of motivation for us to continue serving,” Torres said in a media interview.
In his SONA, President Marcos said: “Sa mga isinagawang pagsakote sa mga bodega’t laboratoryo, at tangkang pagpasok, halos walumpu’t tatlong bilyong pisong halaga ng droga ang nakumpiska na. Kamakailan lamang, may mga malalaking kargamento na nagkakahalaga ng bilyon-bilyon na nasabat natin sa Zambales, sa Pangasinan, sa Cagayan, Tondo, Muntinlupa, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Cebu, Batangas, Rizal, at sa Cavite.”
He recalled that just last month, “Personal kong sinaksihan ang pagsira ng halos isa’t kalahating tonelada ng shabu at iba’t ibang klase pa ng iligal na droga.”
Data from PDEA Region 6 showed that from July 2022 — the start of Marcos’ term — until June 2025, the agency conducted 2,899 anti-drug operations that resulted in the arrest of 4,225 drug personalities and the filing of 8,689 court cases.
Authorities also confiscated illegal drugs with a combined value of P126.5 million.
“Our campaign against illegal drugs is continuous. Even with the recognition, we will not be complacent. It only strengthens our determination,” Torres said.
He credited the success of their operations to the strong collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and the media across the region.
“LGUs and the media play a huge role in our campaign. Their support is crucial to our effectiveness,” he added.
Torres also assured the public that PDEA-6 remains alert to the evolving drug landscape, with a sustained focus on intelligence-based operations and community engagement.
“The public’s trust is something we repay with honest and dedicated service,” he said.
According to President Marcos, “Sa tatlong taon lamang, halos mapantayan na ang kabuuang huli noong nakaraang Administrasyon. Sa kabila ng mga ito, tila nagbabalikan daw ang mga pusher. Kaya, patuloy ang ating mga operasyon laban sa mga drug dealer, sila man ay big-time o small-time.”/PN
