THE recent surge in major drug busts in Davao has raised concerns about the region’s emerging role as a hub for illegal narcotics, prompting House Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre to call for accountability and transparency.
Acidre noted that this development appears contradictory, especially given former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s well-known anti-drug stance.
Just this February 15, law enforcement agencies conducted a major operation in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, seizing approximately 6.5 kilograms of shabu valued at ₱44.4 million and arresting two suspects. This incident is part of a troubling pattern.
Earlier, on February 8, authorities intercepted ₱6.9 million worth of illegal drugs at the Sirawan Entry Point in Toril District, Davao City. Additionally, on January 10, two individuals were apprehended at a Davao City checkpoint with suspected shabu valued over ₱1 million.
Acidre expressed deep concern over these developments, highlighting a stark contradiction between the Duterte administration’s aggressive anti-illegal drugs rhetoric and the current situation in Davao.
“Sa ganitong kalagayan, parang kinakain ni Digong ang mga salita niya tungkol sa iligal na droga,” the lawmaker stated.
The Duterte administration, which began in 2016, was marked by a relentless “war on drugs,” resulting in numerous deaths and widespread controversy. Despite these efforts, the recent surge in drug-related activities in Davao raises questions about the effectiveness and sincerity of the previous administration’s policies.
Acidre asked: was the anti-illegal drugs image propagated by the Dutertes merely a façade to obscure more nefarious activities?
“Bakit tila ang Davao na mismo ang sentro ng bentahan ng shabu? War on drugs nga ba ang isinulong, o war FOR drugs?” The House leader asked.
Recent revelations amplify these concerns. In October 2024, former President Duterte himself admitted to operating a “death squad” during his tenure as Davao City mayor, tasked with eliminating criminals. Such disclosures have led to increased scrutiny of the region’s true nature of anti-drug operations.
Acidre emphasized the necessity for accountability and transparency from former President Duterte and his affiliates.
“Ang publiko ay may karapatang malaman ang katotohanan. Imbes na magpakalat ng fake news, dapat patunayan ni ex-President Duterte na wala siyang kinalaman sa mga drug lord,” the lawmaker asserted.
The House leader further urged current authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the recent drug busts and to reassess the strategies employed in the anti-drug campaign.
“Kailangang alamin natin ang ugat ng pagdami ng iligal na droga sa Davao at siguraduhing mapanagot ang mga nasa likod nito, kahit sino pa sila,” Acidre added.
The lawmaker called upon the government and relevant agencies to intensify their efforts in combating illegal drug activities, not just in Davao but throughout the nation. The lawmaker stressed the importance of restoring public trust through genuine and effective actions against narcotics trafficking.
“Ang laban kontra iligal na droga ay dapat tapat at walang kinikilingan. Karapatan ng taumbayan na makita ang tunay na resulta at malaman na ang kanilang mga pinuno ay seryoso sa pagsugpo sa salot na ito sa ating lipunan,” Acidre stressed.
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