The recent surge in major drug busts in Davao has raised concerns about the region’s emerging role as a hub for illegal narcotics, prompting House Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre to call for accountability and transparency.
Acidre noted the stark contradiction between these developments and former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s widely publicized war on drugs.
Just this February 15, law enforcement agencies seized approximately 6.5 kilograms of shabu worth ₱44.4 million in a major operation in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, leading to the arrest of two suspects. This is just the latest in a troubling series of incidents.
On February 8, authorities intercepted ₱6.9 million worth of illegal drugs at the Sirawan Entry Point in Toril District, Davao City. Similarly, on January 10, two individuals were caught at a Davao City checkpoint with suspected shabu valued at over ₱1 million.
Acidre expressed deep concern over these incidents, questioning the effectiveness and sincerity of the Duterte administration’s aggressive anti-drug rhetoric.
“Sa ganitong kalagayan, parang kinakain ni Digong ang mga salita niya tungkol sa iligal na droga,” the lawmaker stated.
A War on Drugs—Or a War for Drugs?
The Duterte administration, which began in 2016, launched a relentless and controversial anti-drug campaign, resulting in thousands of deaths. However, the recent escalation of drug-related activities in Davao raises pressing questions.
Acidre did not hold back in his criticism, asking whether the Duterte family’s tough stance on illegal drugs was merely a façade.
“Bakit tila ang Davao na mismo ang sentro ng bentahan ng shabu? War on drugs nga ba ang isinulong, o war FOR drugs?” he asked.
Concerns over Duterte’s real role in the drug war were further amplified by his own admission in October 2024 that he had operated a “death squad” during his tenure as Davao City mayor to eliminate suspected criminals. This revelation has only intensified scrutiny on whether the region’s anti-drug operations were truly about law enforcement—or something more sinister.
Calls for Accountability
Acidre stressed the need for former President Duterte and his allies to answer these questions, rather than distracting the public with political narratives.
“Ang publiko ay may karapatang malaman ang katotohanan. Imbes na magpakalat ng fake news, dapat patunayan ni ex-President Duterte na wala siyang kinalaman sa mga drug lord,” he asserted.
The lawmaker urged authorities to launch a deeper investigation into the recent drug busts and reassess the effectiveness of the government’s anti-drug strategies.
“Kailangang alamin natin ang ugat ng pagdami ng iligal na droga sa Davao at siguraduhing mapanagot ang mga nasa likod nito, kahit sino pa sila,” Acidre emphasized.
He called on law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts against illegal drugs—not just in Davao, but across the country—while ensuring that their actions are both credible and effective.
“Ang laban kontra iligal na droga ay dapat tapat at walang kinikilingan. Karapatan ng taumbayan na makita ang tunay na resulta at malaman na ang kanilang mga pinuno ay seryoso sa pagsugpo sa salot na ito sa ating lipunan,” Acidre declared.
As questions mount over Davao’s growing drug trade, Acidre and other lawmakers are demanding not just words, but real accountability and action.