03/06/2026
RPOC XIII APPROVES RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING ESTABLISHMENT OF PROVINCIAL INTER-AGENCY DRUG INTERDICTION TASK GROUPS IN CARAGA
Strengthening the region's collective efforts against illegal drugs took center stage during the 2nd Quarter CY 2026 Meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) XIII-Caraga held at the Grand Palace Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City, as the council approved a resolution encouraging all Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs) in the Caraga Region to establish their respective Provincial Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Groups (IADITGs).
The proposal was formally presented by Dir. III Laurefel P. Gabales, Ph.D., DPA, Regional Director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office XIII (PDEA RO XIII), who attended the meeting together with the Agusan del Norte Provincial Officer and the Chief of the Legal and Prosecution Unit (LPU).
In his presentation, Director Gabales emphasized that the creation of Provincial IADITGs is a strategic and proactive measure designed to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and law enforcement responses against the entry, transportation, distribution, and proliferation of illegal drugs within the region.
According to Director Gabales, while significant gains have been achieved through the government's intensified anti-illegal drug campaign, drug syndicates and criminal organizations continue to adapt their methods in exploiting geographical vulnerabilities, transportation networks, and jurisdictional boundaries. He stressed that a unified provincial mechanism is necessary to ensure seamless coordination among law enforcement agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders in detecting, monitoring, and interdicting illegal drug activities.
"The establishment of Provincial Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Groups will provide a dedicated platform where government agencies can synchronize their efforts, maximize available resources, and promptly address emerging drug threats within their respective provinces," Director Gabales explained.
He further underscored that the proposed IADITGs will serve as force multipliers in the implementation of anti-drug initiatives by enhancing information exchange, strengthening border and transit point monitoring, improving operational planning, and ensuring a more comprehensive approach in safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.
The approval of the resolution by the Regional Peace and Order Council demonstrates the strong commitment of Caraga's regional leadership in supporting innovative and sustainable mechanisms that promote public safety, peace and order, and community development.
Director Gabales expressed his profound appreciation to the members of the RPOC XIII-Caraga for their favorable action on the proposal.
"On behalf of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office XIII, I extend my sincerest and heartfelt gratitude to the honorable members of the Regional Peace and Order Council XIII-Caraga for their trust, support, and subsequent approval of this important resolution. Your commitment in strengthening inter-agency cooperation reflects our shared determination to protect our communities and future generations from the menace of illegal drugs."
"The establishment of Provincial Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Groups is a significant step toward building a more coordinated, responsive, and effective anti-drug framework across the Caraga Region. With the continued support of our local government units, partner agencies, and stakeholders, we remain confident that we can further enhance our collective capability to prevent the entry and movement of illegal drugs and sustain the gains of our anti-drug campaign," Director Gabales added.
PDEA RO XIII remains steadfast in advancing collaborative approaches and whole-of-government strategies aimed at achieving a drug-resistant, peaceful, and progressive Caraga Region.
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