Arroyo leads burning of P788-M worth of shabu, cocaine

On the eve of Christmas, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led the burning of P788-million worth of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) and high-grade cocaine at the national headquarters of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City. “This is a very timely and symbolic activity that was ordered by Her Excellency because it signifies our unwavering commitment to seriously liberate our country and the Filipino people from the clutches of the drug menace. It is the best Christmas gift that we can offer to all peace-loving Filipinos," said PDEA chief Dionisio Santiago on Thursday. However, authorities were not able to identify any Filipino suspects in what could be a case of illegal drug trade. “Walang lokal suspects dito (There are no local suspects here)," Santiago told reporters. Santiago said the 85.87 kg. of shabu worth P623 million that was left along the shoreline of Sitio Amutan in Matawe, Dingalan, Aurora was recovered by authorities last December 21. Meanwhile, the P165-million worth of cocaine that was wafted to the shores of Barangay Minaanod Llorente and Barangay 7 in Eastern Samar was found by fisher folk last December 22 and 23. Santiago said his office received reports that the substance found in the areas was part of 1,500 kg. of cocaine that was dumped into Hong Kong waters early this month. Most of the substances being smuggled into the country come from Southern China. Hong Kong and Taiwan serve as transshipment points for the drugs that enter the Philippines. Santiago said the PDEA would cooperate with China on the investigation of Chinese syndicates believed to be behind the transshipment of drugs. “Identified ng counter part sino responsible dito. (Our counterpart has identified who is responsible behind this.) The PDEA will participate in the investigation, joint, bilateral, or multilateral investigation, depending on our succeeding findings," Santiago said. Meanwhile, Santiago assured the public that the burning of the drugs was not hazardous to health. He said that after the rites, the ashes would be placed in a septic tank to ensure that it would not be harmful to the environment. - AIE BALAGTAS SEE/ARCS, GMANews.TV