Davao Oriental: Davao Oriental province launched a specialized task force on Thursday to combat drug trafficking through its seaports, deploying a multi-agency approach to secure the region's maritime borders.

According to Philippines News Agency, the newly formed Davao Oriental Seaport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Force (DOSIDIT) will operate from a command center at Mati City's Balay Silangan Compound, coordinating intelligence and interdiction efforts among 10 national and local agencies.

Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat, serving as task force co-chair, emphasized the province's zero-tolerance policy. "This task force reinforces our commitment to shutting down all drug smuggling routes through our seaports," Rabat said during Wednesday's memorandum of understanding signing.

Governor Ni±o Sotero Uy delegated Provincial Administrator Alejandro Aquino to represent his office at the launch. The inter-agency coalition includes the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Customs, and Philippine Coast Guard.

Uy said their combined resources would enhance surveillance at key ports, including Mati, Governor Generoso, and Caraga municipalities.