Municipality of Alitagtag, Batangas
April 16, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr., inspected an estimated PhP13.3 billion worth of illegal drugs seized from a recent drug bust at Barangay Pinagkrusan in the Municipality of Alitagtag, Batangas on April 16, 2024.

In his statement, President Marcos Jr. highlighted that the operation exemplifies the government's effective approach to combating drug abuse in the country.

“I would like also to point out that this is the biggest shipment of shabu na nahuli natin but not one person died, walang namatay, walang nagputukan, walang nasaktan— basta’t in-operate natin nang dahan-dahan, ‘yun naman dapat ang approach,” he added.

He likewise announced an update from the Philippine National Police (PNP) regarding the ongoing inventory process, stating that the confiscated drugs are of high potency and not locally produced.

He added that the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and its attached agencies are already working to identify the origin of the confiscated illegal drugs.

Following the inspection, the Chief Executive answered questions from the media, where he reiterated that the success of the drug bust operation should not lead to a change in the government's strategy. He further emphasized the importance of continuing operations and gathering intelligence to effectively combat the drug war.

Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil, PNP-Region 4A Director Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Southern Tagalog District Chief Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Alitagtag Municipal Mayor Edilberto Ponggos, Barangay Pinagkrusan Captain Alfredo Mertola Jr., and officials from the PDEA-National Capital Region (NCR) and PDEA-Region 4A joined the President during the inspection.

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