The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is pushing for the creation of an Inter-Agency Seaport Drug Interdiction Task Group in the Negros Island Region, in partnership with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)–Negros Occidental.
PDEA-NIR Director Melvin Estoque met with Banago Port Manager Engr. Rodel Lagmay during a courtesy visit at the Port of Banago in Bacolod City on Tuesday, July 23, where they discussed strategies to strengthen seaport security against illegal drug activities.
Among the key issues raised were the proposed establishment of the task group, concerns about the availability and effectiveness of x-ray machines and scanners in local ports, and prospects for collaboration in training and intelligence-sharing between agencies.
Lagmay expressed full support for the initiative and offered part of the port facility as a venue for PDEA’s future inter-agency training and meetings.
PDEA said the visit underscores the agency’s goal of enhancing maritime border protection and fostering whole-of-government cooperation in its anti-drug campaign across the Negros Island Region.*