ANTI-narcotics authorities expanded preventive education and transport safety operations throughout the MIMAROPA region during late August 2026, engaging maritime workers, students, and local residents.
Initiating educational drives in Marinduque on August 22, 2026, personnel from the PDEA Marinduque Provincial Office conducted a Drug Abuse Prevention Education (DAPE) session in Barangay Pag-asa, Sta. Cruz.
Lectures highlighted the severe physical, social, and legal consequences of illegal drug involvement to heighten local awareness and foster community-led vigilance.
Operations shifted to Palawan from August 25 to 26, 2026, where PDEA Palawan partnered with the PDEA Regional Office MIMAROPA Laboratory Section, local anti-drug councils, the Land Transportation Office, Highway Patrol Group, municipal police, and the Philippine Coast Guard for a two-day Oplan Harabas in El Nido.
On the first day, agents tested 385 public utility vehicle drivers at the El Nido Transport Terminal in Barangay Corong-Corong.
On the second day, testing targeted 151 boat operators and crew members at San Fernando Port, yielding zero positive cases among maritime workers.
Out of 536 total transport personnel screened, only one individual tested positive and was subsequently referred to the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Program for assessment and formal intervention.
Community outreach continued on August 29, 2026, through simultaneous educational programs in Palawan and Romblon.
In El Nido, Palawan, PDEA officers served as resource speakers at a BADAC-led lecture for parents at the Barangay San Fernando Conference Hall. Discussions focused on strengthening family dynamics, identifying warning signs of drug abuse, and guiding youth toward healthy choices.
Concurrently in Romblon, PDEA Romblon Provincial Office delivered a prevention lecture to Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets at the Romblon State University – San Agustin Campus.
Officers urged student cadets to resist peer pressure, act as role models, and advocate for drug-free environments within their academic and civic circles.
Integrated transport testing alongside targeted community lectures highlights PDEA’s commitment to securing public transit while building resilient, informed island communities.
