The firm directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the fight against illegal drugs has led to another breakthrough as the Philippine Navy, in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), successfully recovered an estimated Php19,200,000 worth of suspected marijuana kush in the West Philippine Sea on October 20, 2025.
During a regular maritime patrol operation near Sabina Shoal, Western Naval Command, through BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902) and the Maritime Component Anti-Illegal Drugs and Anti-Smuggling Unit–West, discovered a black duffle bag drifting in open waters at around 6:40 AM on October 18. The operation stemmed from a report received at approximately 6:00 PM on October 17 about a black bag containing unidentified packages believed to be high-grade marijuana. Upon inspection, patrolling officers found 32 heat-sealed plastic packs containing dried marijuana leaves weighing approximately 16 kilograms.
The recovered items were immediately brought to the naval facility at 2LT Lagare Pier, Tidepole, Barangay Masipag, Puerto Princesa City, where documentation and inventory were conducted in coordination with the PDEA Palawan Provincial Office, and witnessed by barangay officials and media representatives.
Authorities turned-over the seized items to the Police Regional Office 4B Palawan Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination and proper disposition. The turnover was witnessed by the Station Drug Enforcement Team of Police Station 1, together with personnel from PDEA Regional Office 4B Palawan Provincial Office (lead unit), Naval Forces West, Palawan Police Provincial Office (Palawan PPO) –Provincial Intelligence Unit, Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO)–City Police Drug Enforcement Unit, and PPCPO–City Intelligence Unit.
Police Colonel Cristine M. Tabdi, PPCPO Acting City Director, lauded the vigilance and continuing efforts of the Philippine Navy and PDEA in keeping the maritime borders secured against the entry of illegal drugs. She also called for public cooperation, urging them to report immediately any suspicious illegal items found adrift or washed ashore to the nearest police stations. “These substances pose grave danger to individuals and communities. We urge everyone to report any similar discoveries to authorities at once. Through the public’s cooperation and our continued inter-agency efforts, we can prevent illegal drugs from reaching our streets,” said PCol Tabdi.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Police Brigadier General Jovencio S. Badua, Jr., Acting Regional Director of Police Regional Office 4B, paid a courtesy visit on the same day to Brigadier General Wilfredo B. Manalang Jr. PN(M) (GSC), Commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade, at Barangay Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City. PBGen Badua was accompanied by PCol Tabdi; PCol Joel D. Casupanan, Palawan PPO Acting Provincial Director; and other PNP regional and provincial key officers. The visit aimed to further strengthen interagency cooperation in combating illegal drug trafficking, ensuring that the country’s maritime domains remain safe, secure, and free from unlawful activities.
Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief, commended the swift and coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies that led to the seizure of suspected smuggled illegal drugs, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in maritime security.
“This operation reflects our collective vigilance and determination to stop illegal drugs from entering our shores. It is a clear demonstration of the unity among our law enforcement and defense agencies working hand in hand to protect our people and preserve the integrity of our borders,” he said.
