Over P8.8 billion worth of suspected shabu was recovered by authorities in just over a week—thanks to the honesty and vigilance of 68 fishermen from Bataan, Pangasinan, Zambales, and Ilocos Sur, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has reported.
From June 2 to 9, 2025, the fishermen voluntarily turned over a total of 1,297.911 kilograms of floating narcotics they found at sea. The PNP hailed their actions as a vital contribution to the country’s fight against illegal drugs.
“This extraordinary act of honesty and vigilance exemplifies the critical role of citizens in national security,” said PNP Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III. “It shows growing trust in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.”
Torre said the “historic series of voluntary turnovers” sends a clear message that “when the people and government stand united, criminal elements will find no sanctuary.”
As a show of gratitude, the Provincial Government of Bataan, led by Governor Jose Enrique Sandejas Garcia III, awarded P100,000 each to nine of the fishermen.
The PNP Central Luzon regional office also gave them sacks of rice in recognition of their role in retrieving P1.5 billion worth of shabu packed in 10 sacks weighing 222.655 kilograms.
The PNP emphasized the need for continued vigilance, especially in coastal areas increasingly being used by international drug syndicates as drop-off points for smuggled narcotics.
Authorities continue to call on the public to follow the example set by these fishermen, who proved that everyday citizens can make a big impact in the fight against illegal drugs.
