At least 19 more blocks of shabu were found at sea by fishermen in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur again.

This is the fourth discovery, following earlier finds in San Juan, Caoayan, and Magsingal.

Another block of shabu was surrendered by a fisherman to the Magsingal Philippine National Police (PNP).

This brings to 80 the total number of blocks found at sea. 

"Pare-parehas ang packaging nila [ng] lahat ng narekober,” PLTCOL. David Dulnuan, Deputy Provincial Director for Operation, Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office (ISPPO), said.

Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of shabu during on-site testing by the Provincial Forensic Unit.

The fishermen who found the blocks said they did not know the blocks contained illegal drugs.

"Di ko naman alam na ganun ang laman [ng mga bloke], kaya kinarga ko na lang… di muna namin binuksan ta namimingwit kasi kami," Rommel Oxciano, one of the fishermen, said.

"Hindi namin alam ang laman, drugs pala," Ian Jake Tiqui, another fisherman, added.

Police continue to investigate the incidents, as of this writing. They suspect that the drugs may have been dumped intentionally or lost accidentally at sea.

“Kung saan nanggaling [ang mga bloke] — magka-conduct pa tayo ng further investigation," Dulnuan said.

In response to the consecutive discoveries, ISPPO formed a Task Group for Coastal and Airport Security. 

The group involves an inter-agency effort to prevent other possible illegal drug shipments.

SEARCH TEAM RESCUED

Meanwhile, a PNP search team was rescued after their boat began to sink 20 nautical miles off the coast of Barangay Villamar, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur on June 27, 2024.

The team was responding to the recovery of shabu at sea in the area.

ISPPO said the stranded individuals included personnel from the Sta. Maria PNP, the Coast Guard, and other agencies.

The boat reportedly had a leak, causing it to sink gradually.

Over 20 people were stranded for more than two hours.

Eight fishing boats from Barangay Villamar rescued all individuals.

"Noong naabutan namin sila, nasa ibabaw na sila ng bangka, ‘yung iba nakahawak sa tali ng bangka," Albert Quilenderino, Sr., Barangay Villamar Chairman, said.

Despite this incident, water search and monitoring efforts continue.

The Ilocos Sur PNP requested additional resources from the national government for enhanced search capabilities along the shoreline.

"Humihingi tayo sa national government natin na may capability, o may mga water asset, o air asset, para kasama na sa pag-search sa shoreline ng Ilocos Sur," Dulnuan said.