The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) presented a comprehensive report of the country’s anti-illegal drug implementation during the 19th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Drug Monitoring Network Meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand.

DDB permanent member Armando Ramolete said the Philippines’ participation affirms its commitment to evidence-based, collaborative drug policy action in the region. 

In the said report, the Philippine delegation presented the latest trends in the national drug situation, including high-value seizures, strengthened enforcement metrics, and the rising threat of new psychoactive substances.

A key highlight was the government’s focus on social reintegration, digital innovations, and community-based responses, underscored by successful deployments of information systems which support transparency and data-informed interventions at the local government level,’’ the DDB said.

Ramolete cited that the ASEAN Drug Monitoring Network (ADMN) serves as a strategic mechanism for the member nations to foster early warning systems and share best practices in addressing emerging drug threats. 

As new substances and trafficking methods evolve, Ramolete assured the Philippines remains a proactive contributor to building a safer, healthier, and drug-resilient ASEAN community.

Highlighting the impact of its integrated and community-driven approach to drug prevention and control, the DDB reported that from Jan. to June 2025, the PDEA and its partner law enforcement agencies conducted 19,765 anti-illegal drug operations, resulting in the arrest of 26,051 drug personalities. 

Of these, 1,551 were classified as high-value targets, and 472 operations were considered high-impact, targeting major trafficking networks. 

During the same period, 24,869 drug-related cases were filed, reflecting a strong institutional response anchored on accountability and due process. 

The Philippine report also emphasized the government’s focus on community-level interventions through the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP). 

As of 30 June 2025, 70.15 percent or 29,471 out of 42,000 barangays have been declared drug-cleared, while 14.38 percent or 6,040 barangays remain drug-affected. 

Notably, 80 barangays achieved drug-cleared status in the first half of the year alone. 

“This underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination and the critical role of local Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) in sustaining grassroots action,’’ the DDB added.

The DDM emphasized that the report underscored measurable gains in enforcement, prosecution and community-based initiatives. 

“It demonstrated that when data is guided by sound policy and people-centered implementation, it leads to sustainable and meaningful outcomes,’’ the DDB pointed out. 

The DDB’s and PDEA’s joint participation marks a strategic effort to amplify the Philippines' leadership in integrated drug monitoring and prevention.

Beyond enforcement, the DDB emphasized the country’s preventive education and cross-sectoral initiatives, from youth camps and peer-based programs to national forums engaging the judiciary, health institutions and indigenous communities.

“These accomplishments reflect the country’s firm adherence to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify localized operations while upholding the rule of law and human rights, a national policy direction formally affirmed through Dangerous Drugs Board Resolution No. 8, Series of 2025,’’ the DDB maintained.

The ADMN serves as a strategic mechanism for ASEAN to foster early warning systems and share best practices in addressing emerging drug threats. 

As new substances and trafficking methods evolve, the DDB revealed that the Philippines remains a proactive contributor to building a safer, healthier, and drug-resilient ASEAN community.