QUEZON CITY, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, June 24, visited the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) National Headquarters to inspect over ₱9.4 billion worth of seized illegal drugs set to be destroyed within 24 hours.
Among the drugs were 1,304.604 kilograms of shabu, estimated at ₱8.8 billion, intercepted by fishermen off Luzon’s coastline, and 226.043 kilograms of various dangerous substances valued at ₱609 million, confiscated in multiple operations.
The President’s visit comes as part of the administration’s intensified anti-drug drive, with Marcos ordering heightened coastal and maritime surveillance to block future smuggling attempts.
PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez said the seized drugs will be destroyed through thermal decomposition, as mandated by law.
In his remarks, Marcos underscored a shift in the government’s approach to drug policy.
“First, we’re strengthening our prevention efforts,” he said. “Then, we’re also reinforcing rehabilitation. And of course, we continue to enforce drug laws and sustain the campaign against major syndicates.”
The visit marks the administration’s ongoing recalibration of the country’s anti-drug campaign, focusing on a mix of enforcement, prevention, and recovery.