Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – In a major breakthrough against illegal drugs, local fishermen discovered suspected shabu floating near West Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales and promptly turned it over to authorities in Bataan province.
According to the boat captain, they spotted several floating sacks around 5:30 p.m. on May 29, 2025, while fishing in the area. Initially thinking the sacks contained food packs, they were shocked to find suspected illegal drugs inside. The fishermen brought the sacks to Mariveles and arrived at Brgy. Sisiman at around 2:00 p.m. on June 1, 2025, temporarily storing the items on a floating barge.
At 8:00 a.m. the next day, June 2, the boat captain reported the incident to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – Mariveles Sub-Station. A coordinated operation was then conducted by the PCG, Mariveles Municipal Police Station, and Bataan Police Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PPDEU) under the leadership of PCOL Marites A. Salvadora, Provincial Director of Bataan PPO, along with PDEA-Bataan.
Authorities conducted an inventory of the recovered sacks, witnessed by representatives from the DOJ, media, and a local elected official. The ten (10) sacks contained approximately 222 kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP 1.509 billion.
Officials praised the honesty and quick action of the fishermen. PRO3 Director PBGEN Jean S. Fajardo stated, “This success demonstrates the strong cooperation between the community and the police. We encourage the public to report similar incidents to authorities immediately.”