BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 6, through its Seaport Interdiction Unit (SIU) for Panay and Guimaras, held a drug awareness symposium for fisherfolk in Concepcion town.
The September 5 symposium, conducted in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard Concepcion Substation and the Philippine National Police’s Maritime Group-Iloilo MARPSTA, aims to address the rising threat of maritime drug trafficking. It particularly focused on the growing concern of floating shabu and cocaine packages recovered along the country’s shorelines.
Among the attendees were key officers of local barangay fisherfolk associations, providing a crucial platform for discussion and education on the dangers of drug smuggling via sea routes.
The highlight of the symposium was the establishment of a communication network between fisherfolk associations and law enforcement agencies.
PDEA-6 said this cooperative effort is seen as a vital step in strengthening maritime security and raising awareness within coastal communities about the serious risks posed by drug trafficking./PN
