An official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Davao (PDEA-11) said they are keeping a close watch on the illegal drug trade ahead of the midterm elections.

It is also not discounting the possibility that politicians may get involved in illegal drug activities to generate funds for the 2025 polls.

However, they have not monitored anyone, as of this writing.

“Isa sa tinitingnan natin ang political arena… we suspect na baka may mga politicians na nai-involve sa illegal na droga, nagbebenta para magkaroon ng sariling pondo. Wala pa tayong namo-monitor na involved sa illegal drugs,” Jubay added.

Jubay admitted that the campaign against illegal drugs was more intense during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

However, he said the focus of the Marcos administration is prevention and rehabilitation.

“Frankly speaking, mas maigting noon kaysa ngayon… pag-upo ng previous administration, may dating kaagad, eh… may takot agad sa mga drug personalities, eh. Iba naman kasi ngayon, medyo soft siya, pero collaborative kasi yung ibang agencies, nire-require na mag-participate… more of preventive and rehabilitation naman ang focus ngayon,” Jubay said.

PDEA-11 reported that the number of drug-related arrests and the volume of illegal drugs seized have increased in the first quarter of 2025 due to intensified anti-drug operations.

More than 900 drug suspects have been arrested and authorities confiscated more than P85 million worth of illegal drugs.

POSITIVE

Meanwhile, a policeman has tested positive for illegal drug use during a random drug test.

The policeman, a patrolman, was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Unit in New Bataan, Davao de Oro.

The policeman was placed under restrictive custody while the administrative case against him is being processed. He may also face dismissal from service.

“So far, sa mga nag-positive, ma-dismiss gyud na sila. Wala pay nag-positive sa illegal drug test nga wala na-dismiss,” Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) Spokesperson, Major Catherine Dela Rey, said.