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Is Davao Becoming The New Drug Hub? House Leader Questions Duterte's Legacy
Duterte File
Davao, the stronghold of former President Rodrigo Duterte and once hailed as a model for his brutal war on drugs, is now facing a troubling question: Is it becoming a major hub for narcotics trafficking?
House Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre is raising the alarm after a series of massive drug busts in the region. The most recent operation on February 15 in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, led to the seizure of 6.5 kilograms of shabu worth ₱44.4 million and the arrest of two suspects. This isn’t an isolated incident—just a week prior, ₱6.9 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated in Toril, Davao City, and in January, another ₱1 million worth of shabu was intercepted at a city checkpoint.
For Acidre, the numbers are alarming, but what’s even more concerning is the contradiction: How can a city known for its tough anti-drug stance under Duterte now be seeing such a spike in drug-related activities?
“Was Duterte’s War on Drugs Just a Show?”
Acidre didn’t mince words, questioning whether the Duterte administration’s fierce anti-drug campaign was all just for show.
"Sa ganitong kalagayan, parang kinakain ni Digong ang mga salita niya tungkol sa iligal na droga," he pointed out.
Duterte’s presidency, which started in 2016, was defined by his controversial drug war—a campaign that led to thousands of deaths, international criticism, and human rights concerns. Yet now, the surge of illegal drugs in his hometown raises uncomfortable questions.
"Bakit tila ang Davao na mismo ang sentro ng bentahan ng shabu? War on drugs nga ba ang isinulong, o war FOR drugs?" Acidre asked.
A Call for Answers and Accountability
Adding fuel to the fire, Duterte himself admitted in October 2024 that he operated a “death squad” during his time as Davao City mayor, a group allegedly tasked with executing criminals. With these latest drug busts, Acidre believes it’s time for more transparency.
"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 said.
Acidre is urging authorities to dig deeper into the rise of illegal drugs in Davao and hold those responsible accountable, no matter who they are. He stressed that the anti-drug campaign should be a real fight, not just political rhetoric.
"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," he emphasized.
As Davao continues to see major drug-related operations, Acidre is calling for serious action—not just in Davao, but across the country.
"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," he concluded.
With these latest revelations, the question remains: Is Davao truly cracking down on drugs, or is there something more sinister beneath the surface?
House Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre is raising the alarm after a series of massive drug busts in the region. The most recent operation on February 15 in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, led to the seizure of 6.5 kilograms of shabu worth ₱44.4 million and the arrest of two suspects. This isn’t an isolated incident—just a week prior, ₱6.9 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated in Toril, Davao City, and in January, another ₱1 million worth of shabu was intercepted at a city checkpoint.
For Acidre, the numbers are alarming, but what’s even more concerning is the contradiction: How can a city known for its tough anti-drug stance under Duterte now be seeing such a spike in drug-related activities?
“Was Duterte’s War on Drugs Just a Show?”
Acidre didn’t mince words, questioning whether the Duterte administration’s fierce anti-drug campaign was all just for show.
"Sa ganitong kalagayan, parang kinakain ni Digong ang mga salita niya tungkol sa iligal na droga," he pointed out.
Duterte’s presidency, which started in 2016, was defined by his controversial drug war—a campaign that led to thousands of deaths, international criticism, and human rights concerns. Yet now, the surge of illegal drugs in his hometown raises uncomfortable questions.
"Bakit tila ang Davao na mismo ang sentro ng bentahan ng shabu? War on drugs nga ba ang isinulong, o war FOR drugs?" Acidre asked.
A Call for Answers and Accountability
Adding fuel to the fire, Duterte himself admitted in October 2024 that he operated a “death squad” during his time as Davao City mayor, a group allegedly tasked with executing criminals. With these latest drug busts, Acidre believes it’s time for more transparency.
"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 said.
Acidre is urging authorities to dig deeper into the rise of illegal drugs in Davao and hold those responsible accountable, no matter who they are. He stressed that the anti-drug campaign should be a real fight, not just political rhetoric.
"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," he emphasized.
As Davao continues to see major drug-related operations, Acidre is calling for serious action—not just in Davao, but across the country.
"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," he concluded.
With these latest revelations, the question remains: Is Davao truly cracking down on drugs, or is there something more sinister beneath the surface?
Feb 17, 2025
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