𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑-𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐘 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐊 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏; 𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐀𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈-𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄
The Cebu Provincial Government has strengthened its anti-illegal drugs campaign by formalizing an inter-agency task group aimed at tightening coordination and enforcement in key maritime entry points, particularly seaports considered vulnerable to drug trafficking.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro stressed the province’s uncompromising stance against illegal drugs as she joined regional heads of at least 13 national line agencies on March 24 “to effectively synchronize anti-illegal drug efforts and streamline operations” toward intensified interdiction in Cebu’s seaports.
“Since I sat down in office last year, I have been very clear in my directive to law enforcement: there is no place for illegal drugs in Cebu Province,” the governor said in her speech at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Central Visayas along Arellano Boulevard in Cebu City.
The governor represented the province in the signing of a memorandum of agreement creating the “Cebu Seaport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group” (CEBU SIADITG).
“Our seaports are vital to our economy, but they must never become entry points for threats that destroy lives, families, and communities. That is why this collaboration is so important because this fight cannot be won by one agency alone. It requires coordination, trust, and a shared commitment to protect our people,” she said.
Under the agreement, member agencies committed to intensifying joint operations and strengthening coordination in the campaign against illegal drugs.
The task group aims to synchronize and integrate anti-illegal drug efforts across identified public and private seaports in Cebu as well as ensure the successful prosecution of drug cases through early collaboration between law enforcement and the prosecution service.
It also looks to leverage the resources and policy direction of the Provincial Government to support interdiction efforts and control the entry and exit of controlled precursor and essential chemicals and dangerous drugs through intensified inspections and intelligence sharing.
With the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA 7) as the lead agency, the task group also draws support and active participation from the Department of Justice (DOJ-7), Police Regional Office (PRO-7), Bureau of Customs (BOC-7), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI-7), Cebu Port Authority (CPA), PCG-7, PNP Maritime Group-7, Naval Forces Central, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA-7), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA-7), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7), and the PNP Drug Enforcement Group.
The Capitol is expected to provide administrative support to facilitate coordination with component cities and municipalities aligned with the task group’s objectives and assist in information and education campaigns.
The task group is also looking to the Capitol for logistical, financial, or material support for the maintenance of equipment and facilities through the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office (PADAO); and promote “Operation Private Eye” and other community-based reporting mechanisms within the port community.
“Through this Task Group, we are strengthening accountability and making sure that every gap is addressed, every system is improved, and every effort is aligned toward one goal: a safer, more secure Cebu,” the governor said.
Signatories to the agreement include:
1. Governor Baricuatro
2. PDEA 7 director Joel Plaza
3. DOJ regional prosecutor Atty. Graeme June Elmido
4. Rear Admiral Agapito Bibat, Commander of PCG Central Visayas Area
5. PRO 7 director PBGen Redrico Maranan
6. NBI 7 director Atty. Jose Ermie Monsanto
7. Naval Forces Central Commander Commodore Joselito de Guzman
8. NICA 7 director Ma. Aleli Castillo
9. PLtCol Eduardo Guevarra Jr., OIC, Special Operating Unit, PNP Drug Enforcement Group 7
10. PNP-Maritime Group director PBGen Lou Evangelista
11. BOC Port of Cebu District Collector Alexander Lumontad
12. PCG District Central Visayas Commodore Romeo Pulido Jr.
13. CPA General Manager Francisco Comendador III
14. Marina 7 director Engr. Rolando Bandalaria
15. BFAR 7 director Mario Ruinata | 𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶
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