KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- Drug trafficking in the Soccsksargen region is classified as small scale and mostly street-level, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 12 reported.
Aileen Lovitos, PDEA 12 regional director said the mode of transactions are frequently made through sale or ‘kaliwaan’ scheme or by way of online platforms.
Delivery is made personally using private vehicles, or parcel, or utilization of drug dens, cheap motels, or inns, the official added.
Lovitos said they have already intensified the enforcement and intelligence monitoring, in partnership with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies to thwart these illegal activities.
PDEA also calls for continuing strong partnership among local government units, national government agencies and other stakeholders in sustaining the low prevalence of illegal drugs in the region.
As part of the demand reduction efforts, PDEA has also spearheaded the implementation of the Balay Silangan Reformation Program, which serves as an instrument for goverment to reform and reintegrate drug offenders.
Since its inauguration in 2018, PDEA has established 9 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers region-wide, which produced a total of 232 graduates. These are located in Tupi in South Cotabato; Makilala in Cotabato Province; Glan, Malungon, and Alabel in Sarangani Province; and Lutayan, Isulan, Kalamansig and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat Province. (PIA 12)
