Authorities destroyed illegal drugs worth more than P38 million at the Hall of Justice in Jolo, Sulu.

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM), the 5.6 kilos of dangerous drugs were destroyed through the “rendering inert” method.

PDEA-BARMM said it is the first region in the country that adopted this approach.

“This procedure adheres to the guidelines set forth by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the safe handling and disposal of chemicals related to illegal drug production. Following the destruction, PDEA officials and the local court transformed the mixed materials into a cement marker or monument, symbolizing the community's unyielding resolve against the drug menace,” PDEA-BARMM said.

These dangerous drugs were confiscated by PDEA-BARMM and were presented as evidence in the 97 cases filed before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 3 in Jolo, Sulu from 2022 to 2024.

Meanwhile, at least 10 barangays in Isabela City, Basilan have been cleared of illegal drugs by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC).

According to PDEA-Zamboanga (PDEA-9), these barangays have complied with the requirements set under the Barangay Drug Clearing Program.

“This achievement marks a step forward in Isabela City’s efforts to ensure a drug-free environment, setting a benchmark for other barangays in Basilan and the Zamboanga Peninsula region,” PDEA-9 said.