By Nycel Jane Dela
For the first half of 2026, the Province of Capiz ranked second in Western Visayas in terms of anti-illegal drug operations.
Data presented by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-6) showed that from January 1 to June 25, 43 anti-illegal drug operations were conducted in Capiz, which tailed behind Iloilo.
The 43 anti-illegal drug operations resulted in the arrests of 35 drug suspects and 40 rescued individuals.
The operations in Capiz also resulted in 146 drug-related cases filed in court, which is also the second highest in Western Visayas.
Despite the gains, the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) is still concerned of the proliferation of illegal drugs trade.
Retired police colonel Primo Golingay, PADAC focal person, said illegal drugs remain difficult to eradicate because of a drug protection scheme.
“Hindi maubos ang mga drug users kag pushers, pero ang pinaka damo amo ang mga protektor,” Golingay said during the Kapihan facilitated by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Capiz.
Officials identified Punta Tabuc in Roxas City as the province’s top drug hotspot, saying the area continues to record persistent drug activities despite repeated enforcement operations.
PDEA Capiz Director Juvy G. Rocamora said the agency will continue working other law enforcement agencies and local government units (LGUs) to strengthen anti-drug campaign.
Rocamora said it is not the job of PDEA or the Philippine National Police (PNP) alone. The various anti-drug abuse councils, schools, and other non-government organizations (NGOs) must also do their share.
