By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday underscored the critical role of the community in stopping illegal drugs.
On April 3, a fisher reported to the police suspected shabu he saw drifting near a remote island village in Patnanungan, Quezon.
The illegal substance was later weighed at 3.28 kilograms, worth PHP22.3 million.
“The trust and confidence of the people in their police is one of the most efficient tools against criminal elements and illegal activities. We have been witnessing the positive results of this partnership. We have to sustain this effort for the benefit of everybody,” Nartatez said in a news release.
Nartatez said syndicates abandon shipments due to heightened maritime patrols, with the packages drifting toward fishing areas.
Nartatez reminded the public to prioritize safety when encountering suspicious items.
“Safety is the priority. Do not touch or open the packages as they could be dangerous or contaminated. Immediately mark the location if possible, stay away and report it to the nearest police station or Maritime Group unit right away,” he said.
Nartatez said the fight against illegal drugs does not stop on land as it extends to the country’s vast shorelines.
On Saturday, the PNP reported the arrest of 16 wanted persons and confiscation of PHP121 million worth of illegal drugs and smuggled cigarettes following a series of operations in 24 hours.
Among those taken into custody were high-profile fugitives and top regional wanted persons, as well as local suspects involved in serious crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and drug-related offenses.
The PNP said PHP32 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in Quezon, Cavite and Benguet provinces, and in Caloocan City in Metro Manila.
The PHP90 million worth of smuggled items were recovered in Maguindanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental provinces, and Pasay City in Metro Manila.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency reported the arrest of a 62-year-old Filipino passenger at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Parañaque City after PHP21.2 million worth of shabu was found inside his luggage on April 3.
The passenger, who came from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and is facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. (PNP)
