The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on February 24 that it had successfully prevented a vessel suspected of carrying a large volume of illegal drugs from entering Philippine waters near Mindoro, just outside the country’s exclusive economic zone.
The operation, conducted on February 23 in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), aimed to stop the illicit entry of narcotics into the country.
“Amid heavy weather and rough seas, the joint PCG-PDEA operatives ensured the denial of entry of the subject vessel within the Philippine territory,” the PCG said in a statement.
While authorities withheld further details due to operational security, PCG emphasized the importance of such missions.
“This operation underscores not only the importance of international cooperation but also the effectiveness of interagency collaboration,” PCG’s commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said.
Gavan highlighted the mission as a successful example of maritime enforcement efforts against drug trafficking.
“The success of this operation highlighted the effectiveness of the national government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign and law enforcement operations within our maritime jurisdiction to prevent the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country,” he added.
PDEA reports P21.43 billion in drug seizures in 2024
In January, PDEA reported a record-high seizure of illegal drugs in 2024, totaling to P21.43 billion (US$369 million), a significant increase from the P16.24 billion confiscated in 2023.
According to PDEA data from January 1 to December 31, 2024, authorities confiscated:
• 3.09 tons (3,090 kg) of dried marijuana leaves and bricks
• 2.55 tons (2,550 kg) of shabu (crystal meth)
• 939.73 kg of kush
• 32.74 kg of cocaine
• 66,540 pieces of ecstasy tablets
Of the total value of drugs seized:
• P5.52 billion came from joint operations with law enforcement agencies
• P2.75 billion resulted from PDEA and Philippine National Police (PNP) efforts
• P13.10 billion worth of illegal drugs were confiscated by the PNP alone
• P60 million worth of drugs were seized by the National Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with PDEA, PNP
In 2024, PDEA conducted 38,545 anti-drug operations, leading to the arrest of 51,264 drug suspects.
“These substantial seizures are a testament to the government’s efforts to actively pursue high-level drug traffickers and organized criminal networks involved in the country’s illegal drug trade,” the PDEA said.
“The enhanced inter-agency coordination and collaboration among concerned law enforcement agencies also remains a key factor in reducing illegal drugs in the streets,” it added.
Marcos: “No need for a bloody solution” in drug war
Last week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr reaffirmed his stance on the government’s anti-drug campaign, saying that eliminating criminality and illegal drugs does not require excessive violence.
“In our war against criminality and drugs, we don’t need to use bloody solutions. We don’t believe that the solution is to kill thousands of Filipinos. There’s a proper way to ensure peace and order,” Marcos said.
Although Marcos did not name anyone specifically, his remarks appeared to contrast with the controversial approach of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose administration faces accusations of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court over the bloody war on drugs.
Marcos maintained that the government’s strategy should focus on strengthening law enforcement, implementing proper policies, and enhancing police and local government capabilities.
During his term, Duterte launched a violent crackdown on illegal drugs, with police and vigilantes killing thousands in controversial operations. Human rights groups condemned the campaign, accusing authorities of carrying out extrajudicial killings and denying suspects’ due process.
Data from PDEA and the PNP show that from July 2016 to March 2022, authorities killed at least 6,241 people in over 233,356 anti-drug operations. However, rights organizations estimate a much higher death toll, with some reports suggesting tens of thousands of fatalities.
Since Marcos took office, his administration has shifted tactics. While authorities continue drug enforcement efforts, they report a significant drop in drug-related deaths. From 2022 to 2024, an estimated 800 people died in drug-related incidents — a stark contrast to the Duterte era.
Marcos has emphasized rehabilitation and prevention over brute force, signaling a departure from his predecessor’s approach. However, rights groups warn that violent encounters persist, raising concerns about the long-term impact of Duterte’s policies on law enforcement and human rights.
Photo credit: PCG. PCG’s commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.
