Leyte Airports to Get Tougher on Drug Smuggling

• PDEA and Aviation Security officials met in Leyte on January 9 to finalize an agreement, strengthening their partnership to prevent illegal drugs from entering airports.

Ronnie Yanuario 5 months ago 5.8 K

Posted on Jan. 14, 2026 at 6:09 pm

PALO, Leyte — On January 9, 2026, officials from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Aviation Security Unit 8 (AVSEU-8) sat down together, determined to tighten airport security and keep illegal drugs out of the skies.

They met at the PDEA Regional Office 8 in Barangay Candahug, Palo, Leyte, with one thing on the agenda: to iron out a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that would solidify a stronger partnership between their teams.

Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ma. Rhea D. Caminong and Operations Division Chief Intelligence Agent V Josefat S. Macawile led the PDEA side, with PCPT Juan Guillermo S. Ebdane representing AVSEU-8.

One significant topic on the table was the launch of the Airport Interdiction Inter-Agency Task Group. This group is intended to enhance information sharing and joint operations within the airport. Essentially, it means more eyes on the ground and a tougher stance against smugglers attempting to transport drugs or engage in other illicit activities through air travel.

The officials emphasized how this move will make airports safer for everyone-passengers, workers and all involved. They plan to eliminate any loopholes that drug traffickers might exploit and implement stricter security measures.

While most of the meeting focused on paperwork and finalizing details of the MOA, the broader goal is clear: this agreement establishes a solid, long-term strategy for both agencies. It also sends a strong message that airports in Eastern Visayas will not be a haven for illegal drugs.