The voluntary turnover of approximately ₱1.514 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) by the fisherfolk of Barangay Sisiman, Mariveles, Bataan stands as a compelling example of how responsible citizen action can help protect communities from the harms of illegal drugs. After discovering the illegal drugs floating off the waters of Masinloc, Zambales, the fisherfolk immediately reported the discovery to authorities, preventing the contraband from reaching communities.
Following this act of civic responsibility, Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairperson – Secretary Oscar Valenzuela joined Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Isagani Nerez and partner government agencies in an Empathy Dialogue and Community Outreach Activity with the fisherfolk. The activity provided an opportunity to recognize their actions while engaging them in discussions aimed at strengthening rapport, fostering mutual trust, and sustaining cooperation between government and coastal communities.
The dialogues such as these reinforce that addressing the drug problem extends beyond intercepting illegal drugs. They also enable government to engage communities directly, gain a better understanding of their experiences, and encourage continued public cooperation in efforts to prevent illegal drugs from causing harm.
Secretary Valenzuela emphasized that the actions of the Mariveles fisherfolk demonstrate how ordinary citizens can make a meaningful contribution to public safety. He noted that by working together, government and communities strengthen the country’s balanced approach to drug abuse prevention and control, where prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, aftercare, reintegration, and law enforcement work hand in hand.
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