DILG chief assures transparency in Batangas drug bust

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. asserted that law enforcement agencies demonstrated complete transparency in handling the significant illegal drug seizure in Batangas.

He clarified that the initial report of nearly two tons of illegal drugs valued at PHP13.3 billion was an estimate, with the actual confiscated amount being 1,424.253 kg of shabu.

Abalos stated that the "more or less" figures are based on the experience of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the current market price of P6.8 million per kilogram.

The inventory of the confiscated drugs was conducted in front of civilian witnesses and recorded on video cameras to dispel doubts about the operation's legitimacy.

This operation marks one of the largest drug hauls by the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and PDEA.

Further details are being withheld to protect ongoing follow-up operations aimed at apprehending those responsible for the drug shipment.