Kalinaw News: Need for Bantay Dagat Underscored as 58M worth of dangerous drugs destroyed in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 13, 2021): Need for Bantay Dagat Underscored as 58M worth of dangerous drugs destroyed in Sulu



December 13, 2021, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – Another milestone is reached after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) led destruction of dangerous drugs held at Hall of Justice, Capitol Site, Patikul, Sulu.

In the presence of PDEA-BARRM Regional Director Gilbert V Buenafe, local government officials, Joint Task Force – Sulu Commander MGen William N Gonzales, and other members of the security sector, 8.4 kgs of meth and 8.1 kgs of dried marijuana were destroyed by means of burning. These drugs, authenticated by PDEA chemists, were in custody in connection with the cases handled by PDEA region 9 and PNP Crime Laboratory BARRM.

“I am very happy that we were invited to witness this event. Our soldiers, specially the marines are always collaborating with both PNP and PDEA in bringing to justice illegal drug-related individuals. Oftentimes, we are able to connect this criminal activity with the Abu Sayyaf Group,” notes MGen Gonzales.

Per records, the military in Sulu was part of 9 drug-related joint law enforcement operations. Most recent was the arrest of 1.5 hectares marijuana plantation owner Bakil U Kadil and Atimula S Jaharan wherein two million worth of fully grown marijuana were seized along with an M16 rifle with ammunition.

Meanwhile, Governor Tan said during his speech that he will prioritize the elimination of dangerous drugs. “It’s true that these drugs are often traded on the coastal areas. Although our navy here is doing great job, Sulu is surrounded by vast seas that is why we should also apply the whole of nation approach here.”

To recall, Governor Tan and all of the Sulu Mayors had a meeting last December 1, 2021, regarding the creation of Bantay Dagat – a program in which local chief executives will be in charge of recruitment of fishermen or seafarer volunteers that would conduct maritime patrols in collaboration with the military. According to the governor, he and the Sulu’s municipal chief executives will meet later today to discuss the implementation of the said program.

“I’ve told my staff to look into building a new justice hall so we can expand the operation of our RTCs. In recent years, our law enforcement has improved attributed to the efforts of the PNP, the whole JTF-Sulu especially after the activation of 11ID. Today, we witness a follow-through of these efforts. Everyone is ecstatic over the recent positive developments here in Sulu. All of us in the government are working to ensure this sustainability.” Governor Tan added.

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