Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, has ordered Coast Guard Districts to intensify seaborne patrol operations to deter the entry of illegal drugs.

This occurred after the recovery of 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐇𝐏 𝟏𝟐𝟐.𝟕 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄 in several vicinity waters and shorelines in Eastern Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao in March 2024.

On 01 March 2024, the PCG monitored the recovery of a suspected cocaine brick, with an estimated weight of one kg and valued at Php 5.3 million, in the vicinity waters off Barangay Bungtod, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

The item was turned over to the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (SDSPPO – PDEU) for further investigation.

On 04 March 2024, one brick of suspected cocaine packed, weighing approximately 1.08 kg, with an estimated value of Php 5.7 million, was recovered by two fishermen near Barangay Bongtud, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

On 08 March 2024, PCG personnel assisted Mr. Samuel Dalimpapas, a local fisherman, who found 20 bricks of suspected cocaine, each wrapped in two large plastic bags and enclosed in a fishnet, at Barangay Tangbo, Arteche, Eastern Samar. The estimated weight of the seized item is 25 kg, valued at Php 106 million.

On the same date, one brick of suspected cocaine packed, weighing approximately 1.08 kg, with an estimated value of Php 5.7 million, was recovered by a group of students along the shoreline of Barangay Bitaug, Burgos, Surigao del Norte.

On 09 March 2024, the PCG recorded another recovery of alleged bricks of cocaine along the shoreline of Barangay Valencia, Lingig, Surigao del Sur.

CG Admiral Gavan has directed Coast Guard Districts to heighten monitoring of vessels used in transporting illegal drugs, intensify intel operations, expand coastal security patrols, and coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Philippine National Police (PNP), and LGUs to augment anti-illegal drug operations, especially in the eastern seaboard of the Philippines.

Coast Guard personnel have also been directed to strengthen local fisherfolk networks within their areas of responsibility for a more robust monitoring system, facilitating the accurate reporting of suspicious or unauthorized activities at sea.