The Ilocos Sur provincial government has expressed disappointment over the alleged lack of action from national government agencies on the blocks of shabu recovered at sea in the province. 

The blocks that have been recovered, by far, are valued at over P500 million. 

According to the latest inventory from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), fishermen have recovered a total of 88 blocks of shabu since June 24, 2024.

Efforts to secure air and sea assets from Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) through the Philippine Army have been made, but no assistance has arrived yet.

"We appeal to the national government, kung sino man ang may mga asset dyan, air asset, [o] sea asset, tulungan niyo naman kami dito. Pinagpi-piyestahan na kami, but I want to correct, hindi dito sa Ilocos Sur galing ang shabu," Acting Governor Efren Rafanan said.

Various national agencies have been approached by the provincial government and the provincial police office for assistance in the investigation, particularly in seaborn patrols, but responses have reportedly been lacking.

Earlier, fishermen from Caoayan town had to assist a stranded PNP search team after their boat broke down during sea patrol.

INCINERATION

Plans are underway to incinerate all blocks of shabu publicly to ensure transparency, according to PNP and PDEA.

"Ang allowed is through incineration… ni-request ang mga members ng PPOC (Provincial Peace and Order Council) na susunugin in public para makita nila," PLTCOL David Dulnuan, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations at Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office (ISPPO), said.

The provincial government has rewarded the fishermen who recovered and surrendered the shabu.