By Reia G. Pabelonia
IBA, Zambales (PIA) — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Central Luzon reported intensified operations and advocacy efforts in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a bloodless anti-drug campaign, as emphasized in his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In his SONA, the President disclosed that nearly ₱83 billion worth of illegal drugs were confiscated nationwide from July 2022 to June 2025.
“Kamakailan lamang, may mga malalaking kargamento na nagkakahalaga ng bilyon-bilyon na nasabat natin sa Zambales, sa Pangasinan, sa Cagayan, Tondo, Muntinlupa, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Cebu, Batangas, Rizal, at sa Cavite,” Marcos said.
Among the operations was a joint effort between the Philippine Navy and PDEA on June 20, 2025 which intercepted 1.5 tons of shabu valued at ₱10 billion off the coast of Zambales.
The President also reported that more than 153,000 individuals have been arrested in anti-drug operations during the three-year period, including 9,689 high-value targets and 677 government personnel.
Despite these results, Marcos warned that drug dealers are attempting to return.
“Sa kabila ng mga ito, tila nagbabalikan daw ang mga pusher. Kaya, patuloy ang ating mga operasyon laban sa mga drug dealer, sila man ay big-time o small-time,” he said.
In Central Luzon, PDEA Region III Public Information Officer Glenn Guillermo reported that ₱13.39 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized from January to June 2025.
These included 1,958 kilograms of shabu, 9.62 kilograms of marijuana, 26.24 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves, and 7,495 ecstasy tablets.
“Maayos po ang aming anti-drug campaign. Two days ago, here in San Fernando, Pampanga, 700 grams of shabu were confiscated during a buy-bust operation,” he said.
Alongside law enforcement, the agency is expanding its preventive and educational efforts.
“As of June 30, we have conducted 103 advocacy campaigns—the highest since the regional office was established. We are working with schools, workplaces, barangays, and civil society groups such as the Rotary Club of Dolores to promote awareness,” he furthered.
PDEA Region III emphasized that its efforts are focused not only on operations but also on strengthening advocacy campaigns and rehabilitation support at the community level.
(CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3–Zambales)
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