A massive haul of illegal drugs seized in Central Visayas, including a huge portion from operations in Bohol, was destroyed in Cebu City this week.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) incinerated approximately 47 kilograms of shabu on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, at a facility in Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes.
The contraband had an estimated street value of P468.1 million pesos.
Of the total, about 21 kilograms were from various anti-drug operations conducted in Bohol.
The destruction was carried out under separate court orders issued by regional trial courts in Cebu and Bohol, ensuring legal compliance.
Leading the event were Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman Oscar Valenzuela and PDEA Chief Isagani Nerez. They were joined by officials from the local judiciary, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other law enforcement agencies in the region. Their presence aimed to guarantee a transparent and accountable process, officials said.
Local media outlets from Cebu and Bohol witnessed the procedure, which PDEA-7 conducts regularly to prevent seized drugs from being recycled back into the illegal market.
In a related development, the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7), headquartered in Cebu, reported sustained gains in its community-level campaign. The region’s Barangay Drug Clearing Program has now reached a 71.4% success rate.
As of Dec. 5, the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing has formally declared 1,617 barangays across Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor as “drug-cleared.” This classification follows intelligence-driven operations, strong community partnerships, and continuous monitoring, according to PRO-7.
The remaining 659 barangays in Central Visayas are still undergoing clearing operations.
Of these, 230 are classified as slightly affected by illegal drugs, 400 as moderately affected, and 29 as seriously affected. PRO-7 stated that tailored strategies are being implemented for each barangay based on its level of drug influence.
“The achievement is rooted in a coordinated plan, continued operations, and the dedication of our police force and community partners,” a PRO-7 spokesperson said. “We see the remaining barangays as our impetus to strive harder and leave no community behind.”
PRO-7 said that the program is not merely a law enforcement campaign but a holistic effort to sustain peace, ensure public safety, and strengthen communities throughout the Visayas.
The public is urged to remain cooperative and vigilant to achieve a genuinely drug-cleared Central Visayas.