Iba, Zambales — The estimated value of suspected shabu recovered from waters off Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur has risen to P4.3 billion as fishermen continue to discover sacks of the illegal drug.

From 5 to 7 June, Pangasinan fishermen found an estimated 630 kilograms of suspected shabu, with seven sacks recovered on the first day, 22 more on the second, and an additional 13 on 7 June.

Meanwhile, two fishermen from Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, turned over two more sacks of suspected shabu. The packaging was similar to those found off Pangasinan, suggesting the drugs may be drifting northward.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed two High-Speed Response Boats (HSRBs) for maritime patrols and successfully retrieved additional sacks of suspected shabu.

Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon Commander Capt. Mark Larsen Mariano praised the local fishing communities.

“This incident has shown that our fishermen are not just guardians of our marine resources but also valuable allies in the fight against crime,” Mariano said. “Their honesty and quick response have kept billions of pesos worth of illegal drugs from reaching our communities and potentially ruining the lives of millions of Filipinos.”

The PCG, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies, is committed to resolving the case and securing the region’s maritime zones.

Authorities continue to monitor nearby waters, as data suggests more contraband may be drifting north. Coastal communities are urged to report any suspicious floating packages to authorities.

In other developments, fishermen from Mariveles, Bataan who voluntarily turned over more than P1.5 billion worth of shabu were rewarded Saturday for their honesty.

In a late statement issued by the PNP regional office, Police Regional Office 3 chief PBGEN Jean S. Fajardo donated sacks of rice to local fishermen who recently found and voluntarily turned over 10 sacks of suspected shabu off the coast of the West Philippine Sea on 2 June.

Police Director Col. Marites A. Salvadora reported earlier that the large shabu haul was discovered floating along the high seas of West Bajo De Masinloc, Zambales, around 5:30 p.m. on 29 May.

Salvadora said the 10 sacks of shabu have been turned over to the PDEA for proper disposition. She personally inspected the shabu along with PDEA agents and Philippine Coast Guard members.

Mariveles chief of police Lt. Col. Dennis Orbista said it takes three days to travel by sea from Bajo de Masinloc to Mariveles.

Earlier Saturday in Barangay Sisiman, Mariveles, Bataan, the rice assistance was personally handed over to the fishermen by Orbista.

Meantime, Fajardo highly commended the fishermen’s honesty and swift action, emphasizing their crucial role in curbing the proliferation of illegal drugs.

“This kind of citizen initiative is what strengthens our campaign against illegal drugs,” Fajardo said in a message relayed through the Mariveles MPS. “The fishermen’s integrity and cooperation with our police force reflect the highest ideals of community partnership and responsible citizenship.”