The Philippines, through the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), participated in the 𝟔𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐬 (𝐂𝐍𝐃) in Vienna, Austria, the United Nations’ principal policymaking body on drug-related matters. The annual session brings together Member States to review global drug trends and strengthen international cooperation in addressing the world drug problem.
During the plenary session, DDB Chairperson – Secretary Oscar Valenzuela delivered the Joint Statement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on behalf of its Member States: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam.
In the statement, ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the world drug problem and recognized the serious harm that illicit drugs cause to individuals, families, and communities. ASEAN emphasized that regional responses remain guided by the three international drug control conventions and reiterated its support for the Commission on Narcotic Drugs as the primary global forum for cooperation and dialogue on drug policy.
ASEAN also highlighted ongoing regional cooperation through mechanisms such as the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters (AMMD) and the ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD), which strengthen collaboration in preventive education, treatment and rehabilitation, law enforcement, research, and alternative development. Operational cooperation is further reinforced through initiatives such as the ASEAN Airport Interdiction Task Force (AAITF) and ASEAN Seaport Interdiction Task Force (ASITF).
To support drug monitoring and evidence-based policymaking, ASEAN established the ASEAN Narcotics Cooperation Centre and the ASEAN Drug Monitoring Network, which facilitate information exchange among Member States and contribute to the ASEAN Drug Monitoring Report.
The statement also recognized the human cost of drug abuse and reaffirmed the observance of ASEAN Drug Victims Remembrance Day every 26 June, alongside the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT), to honor lives lost and raise awareness on the harmful consequences of illicit drugs.
ASEAN further emphasized the importance of balanced, evidence-informed, and science-based approaches in addressing the world drug problem, taking into account both drug demand and drug supply reduction while respecting national legislation and contexts.
The delivery of the joint statement by the Philippines reflects its role as Chair of the ASEAN Ministers on Drug Matters (2026-2028), through which it represents and advances the region’s collective priorities in multilateral policy dialogues.
