CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – Witnessed by top officials of local government units (LGUs), military and police commanders, officials of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA 13) in Caraga region burned and destroyed shabu worth more than P7.1 million, and marijuana worth P10,000 here on Thursday.
In a ceremony witnessed by Agusan del Norte Gov. Dale B. Corvera and 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Deputy Commander Col. Cerilo Balaoro, PDEA 13 Regional Director Alleen Tan-Lobitos presided over the burning of more than a thousand grams of shabu and marijuana at the headquarters of the Army's 402nd Brigade here.
PDEA 13 Regional Information Officer Dindo Abellanosa said the illegal drugs, which were destroyed, were already presented as pieces of evidence under the cases that are already decided in courts.
“It is already decided in different courts in the region,” the region’s PDEA 13 information officer said.
The destruction of the confiscated illegal drugs was in accordance with the provision of Sec. 21 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended by Republic Act 10640 that further strengthened the anti-drug campaign of the government.
Lobitos noted that despite of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), some individuals were still into illegal drug activities.
However, the region’s PDEA-13 top official said the regional office of the agency and its units in the provinces and cities will not cease with their operations despite this pandemic.
“We will continue with our war against illegal drugs,” stressed Lobitos.
Corvera, chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Caraga region, lauded PDEA-13 for its exemplary accomplishment despite of the health crisis.
"PDEA is making sure that this is done with witnesses and public knowledge through the help of media partners,” he said.
“The local government units must sincerely support the efforts of our authorities in attaining a drug-free Philippines. Policymakers have to strengthen endeavors in cracking down illegal drugs so we can solve this problem before the term of President Duterte ends," said Corvera during the ceremony.
"We are here to help in fighting the culture of not only corruption but also illegal drugs," also said Balaoro.