By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/ PNA
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering the creation of a task force to probe the consecutive retrievals of “floating cocaine” off the country’s territorial waters.
PNP spokesperson, Senior Supt. Bernard Banac expressed alarm over these incidents, tagging it as a threat to national security.
“We consider these a national security threat because while foreigners do not directly invade us, they do it through illegal drug trafficking,” Banac told reporters Tuesday.
He said the task force will be composed of personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy.
Banac said investigation is ongoing to find out where the contraband came from, adding that they are coordinating with other law enforcement agencies for the conduct of coastline patrols in areas where these cocaine bricks are usually being recovered.
The PNP official said that since February 10, various fishermen discovered 164.8 kilos of cocaine worth PHPP871,654,226 which were later reported to the authorities.
He has also commended the strong cooperation and vigilance of the public which continue to produce positive results following the recovery of more suspected cocaine in various parts of the eastern seaboard of the country.
“Together, we can stop crimes and illegal drugs towards a safe community for our people to live, work and do business. We also continue to appeal to you to remain vigilant and report to the police any suspicious packages washed ashore or anyone who may show up offering an amount in exchange of said items,” he added
PNP chief Oscar Albayalde earlier alerted all police units to be vigilant as there is a possibility that more cocaine bricks will be recovered in the country’s coastlines in the coming days.
