In a powerful affirmation of justice and shared responsibility, Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairperson – Secretary Oscar Valenzuela joined Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General – Undersecretary Isagani Nerez, in the destruction of ₱1.1 billion worth of seized dangerous drugs in Zamboanga City.
The activity, spearheaded by PDEA Regional Office IX through the leadership of Regional Director Bryan B. Babang, marked a historic milestone as the largest drug destruction ever conducted in Mindanao and the first of its kind in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Held at ZC E&L Corporation, Barangay Talisayan, the event symbolized not just the disposal of illegal substances, but the government’s continuing commitment to protect life, restore dignity, and strengthen public trust.
In his message, Secretary Valenzuela reminded that each gram destroyed represents not just evidence, but lives saved and communities protected from the harms of dangerous drugs.
“This destruction is not merely a procedural act—it is a reaffirmation of our nation’s collective commitment to justice, integrity, and human dignity,” Valenzuela said. “Behind every drug destroyed is a family protected, a community healed, and a future reclaimed.”
For the people of the Zamboanga Peninsula, this undertaking reflects how far the region has come in uniting local governments, law enforcement, and communities under one vision to build healthy and safe communities where accountability is genuine and compassion guides public service. The event also demonstrates that the government’s response to illegal drugs extends beyond enforcement. It is about restoring peace, trust, and opportunity in the lives of ordinary citizens.
The DDB commends the PDEA for its steadfast commitment to the lawful, transparent, and humane implementation of the government’s anti-drug initiatives. The Board also recognizes the strong collaboration among law enforcement agencies, members of the judiciary and prosecution, and local stakeholders, whose collective efforts ensured the successful and credible conduct of this major activity.
As the policy-making and coordinating body, the DDB ensures that enforcement efforts under the Drug Supply Reduction component of the Enhanced Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (Enhanced PADS) are implemented within a comprehensive national framework. This holistic approach gives equal importance to the other two components, Drug Demand Reduction and Health, Social, and Developmental Services, to ensure that the nation’s response to the drug problem remains balanced, evidence-based, and people-centered. Together, these pillars ensure a holistic and balanced national response to drug use.
