MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said his administration’s intensified yet peaceful anti-drug campaign has led to the confiscation of P62 billion worth of shabu since he assumed office in June 2022.

The President highlighted the significance of these seizures, saying they have spared countless Filipinos from the harmful consequences of drug addiction.

“At least masasabi natin dito sa ganitong kalaki na nahuli natin na dapat ipapasok sa Pilipinas na shabu, marami tayong nailigtas na mga kababayan natin,” Marcos said. “Kung lumabas ito, ang mangyayari ay marami na namang magiging adik, marami na namang mamamatay sa overdose, marami na namang masisira ang buhay.”

In a symbolic move underscoring his administration’s commitment to addressing the drug problem without violence, Marcos personally inspected ₱8.87 billion worth of shabu — part of the country’s largest drug haul in recent months — discovered floating off the coasts of Zambales, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Cagayan by local fishermen.

The 1,304 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride, packed in sealed containers, were temporarily stored at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) headquarters in Quezon City, where the President led the inspection.

“In the last three years, we have been able to interdict ₱62 billion worth of methamphetamine… the largest considering the time that we are putting it under,” he said, referring to ongoing efforts since 2022.

Marcos ordered PDEA to ensure the prompt destruction of the confiscated drugs in accordance with legal procedures. The agency confirmed that the shabu will be destroyed through thermal decomposition.

Since no arrests were made in connection with the floating shabu, PDEA said the destruction will proceed under a written order issued by its Director General.

Also slated for destruction are 226 kilos of various dangerous drugs worth about ₱609 million, seized during different operations.

President Marcos praised the role of ordinary citizens in the success of the operation, particularly the fisherfolk who first discovered the floating packs.

“Ang isa pang katangian nitong paghuli nitong mga nakikita ninyong droga ay ang kooperasyon ng ating pangkaraniwan na mamamayan,” he said. “Kinuha talaga—sila muna ang nakahanap nito.”

Joining the President at the inspection were DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez, PNP Chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz, and Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman Oscar Valenzuela.

Marcos reiterated that the government’s anti-drug efforts will continue to target both large-scale syndicates and small-time dealers, with a sustained focus on prevention, rehabilitation, and community cooperation—hallmarks of his administration’s “bloodless war on drugs.”