ILLEGAL DRUGS BURNED. Personnel from Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 11 prepares the area where the PHP24.8 million worth of confiscated illegal drugs in Davao Region will be burned at the capitol grounds in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley province on Monday (Nov. 18). The burning of the seized illegal drugs is mandated by law. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-11)
DAVAO CITY – Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 11 (PDEA-11) burned a total of PHP24.8 million worth of confiscated illegal drugs in Davao Region at the capitol grounds of Compostela Valley province in Nabunturan town on Monday.
The ceremony is part of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week celebrated every third week of November pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 124.
PDEA-11 director Antonio Rivera led the burning of the 2,052.0581 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as “shabu” and 5,329.7028 grams of cannabis sativa or “marijuana” with a total estimated street value of over PHP24.8 million.
Rivera commended the efforts of the local government units in Davao Region, Police Regional Office-11 and other law enforcement agencies, the media and the public "for their untiring support in the fight against illegal drugs."
"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," Rivera said.
PDEA-11 spokesperson Nephi Noli Dimaandal said the burning of seized illegal drugs is mandated by law and is also done to erase doubts about the possible reselling of illegal drugs by the law enforcement agencies.
“These burned seized illegal drugs are already covered with court orders,” Dimaandal said.
The burning of confiscated illegal drugs was witnessed by the judges of the Regional Trial Court as well as respective representatives from the Department of Justice, the Public Attorney’s Office, local officials, civil society groups, and the media. (PNA)
