DAVAO CITY: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 (Davao) destroyed over PHP16.1 million worth of illegal drugs on Monday, including seized contraband from operations conducted across the region this year. PDEA-11 Director Edgar Jubay stated that the destroyed substances included 1,661.3 grams of shabu valued at PHP11.3 million and 40 kilograms of marijuana worth PHP4.8 million. Additionally, PHP999,965 worth of expired medicines were also burned. According to Philippines News Agency, Jubay led the destruction at a thermal facility operated by a funeral parlor in the city. He explained that once the drugs undergo thermal treatment, they lose their value entirely. The destruction process is required by law and conducted under Republic Act 9165, known as the 'Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,' which mandates PDEA to handle and dispose of confiscated drugs and related paraphernalia. Davao City Executive Judge Rowena Apao-Adlawan witnessed the activity alongside representatives from the Depa rtment of Justice and the Public Attorney's Office to ensure transparency. Jubay emphasized that the procedure is part of efforts to address public concerns about the possible recycling of confiscated or surrendered illegal drugs by law enforcement agencies. He added that the burning of illegal drugs was also done to erase public skepticism.