PDEA-8 Steps Up Anti-Drug Campaign in Eastern Visayas

Posted on Apr. 23, 2026 at 11:11 am

PALO, Leyte — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region VIII is stepping up its efforts to combat drug activities in Eastern Visayas by implementing a more intelligence-driven and coordinated approach to disrupt drug networks in the region.

According to PDEA-8 Regional Director Levi Ortiz, the focus of the campaign has shifted towards targeting not only street-level suspects but also dismantling broader drug supply chains through sustained and targeted operations.

Ortiz emphasized the agency’s commitment to long-term action against illegal drugs, highlighting recent high-impact operations such as buy-bust operations and the dismantling of suspected drug dens as part of a comprehensive strategy to weaken distribution networks and prevent the resurgence of drug activity in communities.

Collaboration with the Philippine National Police, intelligence units, and other law enforcement partners is being strengthened to enhance operational precision and coordination, Ortiz noted.

Community involvement is also crucial in supporting the anti-drug campaign, with Ortiz urging residents to report any suspicious activities to help prevent illegal drug operations from thriving in their neighborhoods.

Despite the intensified crackdown, Ortiz assured that all operations are conducted within the bounds of the law, respecting human rights and due process.

The shift in strategy towards a more intelligence-driven and coordinated approach reflects the evolving nature of drug operations, requiring deeper intelligence work and stronger inter-agency collaboration to effectively neutralize drug personalities and their support systems.

PDEA-8 is prioritizing sustained surveillance, target validation, and coordinated strikes to dismantle the structures that enable illegal drugs to persist in communities, with the ultimate goal of eradicating drug activities in Eastern Visayas.

(Photo courtesy: PDEA8)