ANTI-DRUG EFFORT UPDATES. North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco (center) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Region 12 Director Naravy Duquiatan (2nd from right) disciss the drug problem in North Cotabato during a meeting on Monday (August 19) at the governor's office. (Photo courtesy of North Cotabato PGO)
COTABATO CITY -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) has identified five major illegal drug distribution areas in North Cotabato province that are currently the focus of covert operations, an anti-narcotics official said Thursday.
PDEA-12 Director Naravy Duquiatan identified the areas as Kidapawan City and the towns of Midsayap, Pikit, Pigcawayan, and Kabacan.
Duquiatan bared the so-called shabu trading hubs during a meeting earlier this week of the North Cotabato Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) in Kidapawan City, where members heard updates on the province’s drug problem situation.
She said she has also sought the help of North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco in the fight against the drug menace. Catamco vowed to support all operations of the PDEA-12 and the North Cotabato police.
“As I said, North Cotabato is not for illegal drug personalities. They should not be here, they are not welcome here,” Duquiatan quoted Catamco as saying during the PPOC meeting on Monday.
“The governor said that if needed, she will ask the commanders of Army divisions operating in the province to help eradicate drugs, but support drug dependents in correcting their wayward lives,” Duquiatan said during a local radio interview.
Earlier, PDEA said North Cotabato topped the provinces in the region with a high number of drug peddlers arrested.
The region, also called Soccsksargen, stands for the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and the cities of Kidapawan, Cotabato, Tacurong, Koronadal, and General Santos. (PNA)
