TACLOBAN CITY– The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other law enforcement authorities in Eastern Visayas are ramping up surveillance of individuals previously involved in drug trafficking.
This follows concerns over the possible operations of a significant drug syndicate in the region.
The heightened vigilance comes after two major drug hauls in September, in which a joint operation led to the seizure of suspected shabu worth approximately P277.5 million.
The operation, conducted by the Northern Samar Highway Patrol Group (HPG), Allen Northern Samar Police, PDEA Northern Samar, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Maritime Law Enforcement team, took place in Barangay Jubasan, Allen, Northern Samar.
In an interview, PDEA Eastern Visayas Assistant Regional Director Alex Tablate confirmed that an investigation has been launched to trace the source of the illegal drugs.
“We are conducting backtracking and investigating the suspects who were arrested,” Tablate said.
He added that part of this process involves checking potential routes used for drug transport, such as the Mindanao-Lipata area and Lilo-an port.
Based on initial findings, the illegal drugs seized in Northern Samar were reportedly destined for Mindanao, not Eastern Visayas.
For years, Luzon-to-Mindanao has been a known trade route for illicit goods. However, Tablate noted that it now appears the drugs may have originated from Mindanao itself, signaling a shift in the operation’s logistics.
Although Tablate refrained from naming specific individuals, he disclosed that authorities are closely monitoring people with past connections to drug syndicates.
“It’s too early to link their names, as the investigation is still ongoing, but we are not ruling out their involvement. There could also be new players from other areas,” Tablate added.
Meanwhile, Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan, chair of the Provincial Peace and Order Council, has ordered the intensification of efforts to monitor illegal activities throughout the province.
Law enforcement agencies have stepped up their operations by establishing checkpoints, conducting regular patrols at ports and terminals, and expanding surveillance to prevent the spread of illegal drugs across Northern Samar and the entire region.
Authorities are also collaborating with community leaders and local businesses to gather information on suspicious activities and individuals. This coordinated effort aims to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking in Eastern Visayas.
(JAZMIN BONIFACIO)
