MORE THAN 7 million worth of illegal drugs seized in the Davao Region were burned by authorities at Balay Silangan Reformation Center, 701st Infantry Brigade, Sitio Magay, Barangay Don Martin Marundan, Mati City on Oct. 28.
Nephi Noli Dimaandal, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ( PDEA) XI) spokesperson, said a total of 793.695 grams of shabu worth P5,397,143 and 14,299.04 grams of marijuana worth P1,715,884.92, amounting to a total of P 7,113,027.92, were destroyed.
PDEA XI chief Aileen Lovitos, together with Lt. Col. Deozar Almaza, representing Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, the director of Police Regional Office XI, spearheaded the burning of the illicit drugs in response to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to destroy seized illegal drugs and contraband and pursuant to the guidelines set on Section 21 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Dimaandal said the burning of seized illegal drugs and non-drugs was also witnessed by Davao Oriental Governor Nelson L Dayanghirang, elected public officials as well as respective representatives from the Regional Trial Court, Department of Justice, Public Attorney’s Office, civil society group, and media.
The burning of seized illegal drugs and non-drugs was also done to erase doubts that they were only recycling the contraband.
Plaques and certificates of recognition and Appreciation were also given to the local government units and law enforcement units for their untiring support in the war against illegal drugs in the country.
“This collaborative effort of the five pillars of the criminal justice system serves as a warning to all drug perpetrators that we are working hand in hand to suppress the supply of illegal drugs in our country,” Lovitos added.
