Historic Drug Destruction Marks Largest in MIMAROPA’s History, Strengthening “Bagong Pilipinas” Anti-Drug Commitment
PALAWAN, Philippines — In a relentless efforts of unity against the threat of illegal drugs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 4B (MIMAROPA) destroys ₱350,944,190.52 worth of dangerous drugs in a ceremonial destruction held at the New Public Cemetery, Puerto Princesa City, the largest in the history of the MIMAROPA Region.
Leading the momentous event were PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez and Hon. Mayor Lucilo R Bayron of Puerto Princesa City.
They were joined by P/LTC Socrates Faltado from the Philippine NationalPolice (PNP), Capt Adonis P An̈asco from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Capt Oliver P Obongen (PN) from the Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Col Joel Bonavente PN (M) of the Marines Operations of the Western Naval Command, Atty Teodoro Jose S Matta of the Provincial Government of Palawan, from the Department of Justice and the Judiciary represented by Executive Judge Paz Soledad Rodriguez-Cayetano, Local Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs), and other partner agencies.
A total of 114,673.5221 grams of solid illegal drugs were destroyed through thermal decomposition (thermolysis)—a process that subjects the substances to extreme heat until they are completely decomposed and rendered beyond recovery.
Among those destroyed were the following illegal drug recoveries:
- 17,324.5 grams of Kush recovered on September 30, 2025
- 16,971.01 grams of Kush recovered on October 8, 2025
- 11,245.5323 grams of Cocaine recovered on October 9, 2025
- 38,719.6177 grams of Cocaine recovered on October 11, 2025
- 417.7710 grams of Cocaine recovered on October 11, 2025
- 1,131.82 grams of Cocaine recovered on October 11, 2025
- 1,058.64 grams of Cocaine recovered on October 13, 2025
- 9,372.86 grams of Marijuana recovered on October 16, 2025
- 16,351.3 kilograms of Kush recovered on October 20, 2025
These illegal substances were recovered and turned over to PDEA MIMAROPA through the joint efforts of local fisherfolk, the WESCOM, PCG, Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO), and other law enforcement partners.
The illegal drugs were found floating or washed ashore along the coastal waters of Palawan and were promptly reported to authorities for documentation, turnover, and lawful custody.
All destroyed dangerous drugs were covered by court orders authorizing their destruction in accordance with Section 21 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Nerez commended the seamless interagency cooperation and community vigilance that led to the recovery and destruction of the contraband. “This destruction underscores our strong inter-agency coordination and the invaluable support of our communities in combating the menace of illegal drugs,” said DG Nerez. “Transparency, accountability, and partnership remain at the heart of our campaign toward President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas.”
PDEA MIMAROPA Regional Director Maharani R. Gadaoni-Tosoc emphasized the historic significance of the event: “This is the largest destruction of dangerous drugs ever conducted in the MIMAROPA Region. It stands as proof of the vigilance of our fisherfolk, the dedication of our partner agencies, and PDEA’s strong commitment to permanently remove illegal drugs from circulation.”
Usec Nerez also highlighted the critical role of unified action in ensuring success: “The success of this initiative reflects the strength of unified action. By working together, we protect not only our communities but also the integrity of our seas and borders against the illegal drug trade.”
This destruction event reinforces PDEA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust. It ensures that no recovered, seized, or surrendered illegal drugs are ever recycled, reused, or returned to the streets, a clear manifestation of PDEA’s continuing mission to protect the Filipino people and uphold a drug-free Philippines.
