By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified maritime surveillance and coordinated coastal operations nationwide following the discovery of suspected cocaine worth around PHP20 million off the coast of Rizal, Palawan.
The illegal drugs were recovered after fisherfolk spotted two suspicious packages floating at sea on May 10. The packages, wrapped in black plastic, prompted immediate coordination with authorities.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the latest incident highlights the need for stronger coastal monitoring and closer coordination with communities living near shorelines and fishing grounds.
“Investment on equipment and other assets to further improve our coastal watch capabilities is part of our modernization program. We are equipping our personnel with the necessary tools and knowledge on this aspect in close partnership with the coastal communities,” Nartatez said in a statement Thursday.
“We are stepping up our monitoring and operations to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the country through our seas. We will not allow these routes to be used for illegal activities,” he added.
Police have secured the recovered items for proper documentation and laboratory examination. The PNP said the evidence is now part of an ongoing investigation to determine the origin of the shipment and identify the possible trafficking network behind it.
“We are also strengthening our relations and partnership with coastal communities so that we can prevent any illicit activity, such as drug trafficking. We need their eyes and cooperation because they are our first line of information along the coast,” Nartatez said.
He noted that attempts to use Philippine waters for drug smuggling are not new.
“Hindi bago sa atin ang pagbabantay sa ating mga tabing-dagat dahil may mga insidente na noon na ginagamit ito para maipuslit ang ilegal na droga. Hindi natin hahayaan na magpatuloy ang ganitong gawain (Guarding our coastal areas is not new to us because there have been incidents in the past where it was used to smuggle illegal drugs. We will not allow this kind of activity to continue),” Nartatez said.
He added that sustained maritime operations will continue in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to disrupt possible drug trafficking routes before contraband reaches local communities. (PNA)
