By Nef Luczon

DRUG DEN RAID. PDEA-10 and police operatives conduct a raid in Barangay Gango, Libona, Bukidnon on Tuesday (Feb. 24, 2026). The agency is pushing for demand reduction initiatives, urging families to lead prevention efforts. (File photo courtesy of PDEA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 10 (Northern Mindanao) is now focusing on “demand reduction” mechanisms to prevent the proliferation of illegal drugs, noting a shift in the profile of drug users and peddlers, an official announced Thursday.

PDEA-10 Director Alex Tablate said that while the agency continues to work with the police on supply reduction through raids, demand reduction has become equally relevant as recent operations show greater involvement by parents.

“Ten or 20 years ago, we got to identify the youths, but in our recent operations, we noticed even mothers and fathers were also involved now,” Tablate said in a statement.

He encouraged families to begin drug prevention measures within their households and to educate members on the realities, legal consequences, and health risks of engaging with illegal drugs.

PDEA-10 has been working with the police to dismantle drug dens in the region.

The most recent operation in Barangay Gango, Libona town, Bukidnon was on Feb. 24, where three suspects were apprehended. (PNA)