By Xander Ledesma
On November 14, 2024, a ceremonial destruction of confiscated illegal drugs took place in Cebu City as part of ongoing efforts to combat the illegal drug trade. The event was held at Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes and attended by law enforcement and judicial officials, including Cebu City Police Office Director PCOL Antonietto Ybañez Cañete, PLTCOL Dexter M. Calacar, Deputy Director for Anti-Drug Operations, and DIR II Alex M. Tablate from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-7). Hon. Ruelo A. Salagada, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 69 of Lapu-Lapu City, also participated in the ceremony.
The confiscated drugs, which included methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine, were destroyed in accordance with Philippine law. This procedure ensures that seized drugs are prevented from reentering circulation. The event highlighted the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and local government units in addressing the issue of illegal drugs.
The drug destruction is part of the broader national campaign initiated in 2016 under President Duterte’s administration. Despite facing criticism, the campaign has resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs and the dismantling of drug syndicates. Authorities continue to address the ongoing challenges posed by the illegal drug trade.
The participation of Judge Salagada emphasized the role of the judiciary in overseeing the destruction process to ensure compliance with legal protocols. This collaboration between law enforcement and the judiciary aims to maintain transparency and accountability in the handling of seized drugs.
While the destruction of confiscated substances represents a step in the ongoing fight against illegal drugs, the issue remains a persistent concern. In Cebu, methamphetamine, or “shabu,” continues to be the most commonly abused drug, with authorities noting that drug trafficking remains a significant issue despite ongoing efforts to curb it.