Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to enhance security measures at all significant drug entry points and to ensure the immediate destruction of confiscated narcotics to prevent their reentry into the streets.

According to Philippines News Agency, this directive was part of a recalibrated national drug strategy aimed at intercepting narcotics at their source-ports, coastlines, and other maritime routes-where large-scale smuggling operations are known to occur. The President emphasized the necessity for complete transparency and the physical presence of law enforcement during the destruction process.

The President's remarks follow substantial drug seizures in the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Ilocos Sur, and Pangasinan on June 10, where coastal communities discovered 66 sacks containing 1,297.9 kilograms of shabu, with an estimated value of PHP8.8 billion. He emphasized the importance of law enforcement being present to ensure the accurate accounting and destruction of the drugs, suggesting they be doused with gasoline and burned.

Additionally, President Marcos highlighted the need to address small-scale drug activities within communities, advocating for parallel ground-level interventions. He referenced the "Cops on the Beat" program as a solution, which is a foot patrol visibility initiative launched under PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

Despite the increase in drug seizures in recent years, Marcos stressed that statistical improvements are insufficient unless the public perceives and experiences a tangible sense of safety.