As part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s intensified campaign to eradicate illegal drugs, Malacañang on Friday encouraged the public to emulate the fishermen from Pangasinan and Bataan who worked together with the government to safeguard their communities against drug syndicates.

“Nananawagan po ang pamahalaan sa buong taumbayan: makipag-ugnayan po kayo upang masawata natin ang mga iligal na gawain kahit saan mang panig ng bansa,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Castro noted the fishermen’s quick action and coordination with law enforcement agencies led to some of the country’s largest drug seizures in recent history, with an estimated PhP5.4 billion worth of shabu intercepted.

“Hinirang na mga bayani ang mga nasabing mangingisda dahil sa agarang pag-alerto ng mga ito sa mga otoridad. Isa itong halimbawa ng mahusay na kooperasyon sa pagitan ng mga ordinaryong mamamayan at mga ahensiya ng gobyerno,” Castro said.

Last June 5, a group of 29 fishermen surrendered to authorities about PhP3.9 billion worth of suspected shabu in around 500 vacuum-sealed packs they fished off the coasts of Agno and Bolinao in Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, a group of 10 fishermen from Bataan turned over to authorities some PhP1.5 billion worth of shabu in around 200 vacuum-sealed packs they recovered off the coast of Masinloc, Zambales, last May.

President Marcos has emphasized the critical role of ordinary citizens in ensuring public safety and national security, including fighting the scourge of illegal drugs. | PND