In support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s “All-out War Against Illegal Drugs Campaign” and in line with the Bureau’s mandate to strengthen border control, the Bureau of Customs Port of Surigao in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office XIII held the Training and Seminar/Webinar on RA 9165 “Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002” on June 02, 2021 at the Customs Office, Surigao City.
In his welcome address, District Port Collector Noli P. Santua, Jr. expressed his profound gratitude to PDEA RO XIII officials led by Regional Director Aileen T. Lovitos for their enthusiastic response to the joint activity. Coll. Santua also stressed the importance of collaboration between BOC Surigao and PDEA 13 to further protect the borders from the entry of illegal drugs that for the longest time have affected the well-being of Filipinos especially the youth.
The Port of Surigao was fortunate to have PDEA Director Aileen T. Lovitos to discuss the Concealment Methods of Illegal Drugs and Modus Operandi. Dir. Lovitos also presented the Region’s Drug Situation and the recommendations on PDEA and BOC Coordination and Operations. Meanwhile, Provincial Officer, Agusan del Norte, Agent Majorie M. Veso explained the following topics: a) the Sources of Dangerous Drugs; b) Maritime Interdiction and Seaport Interdiction Operations; c) Behavioral Analysis and Passenger Profiling; and d) Concealment Techniques.
On the other hand, an exhaustive presentation on the Chain of Custody over seized illicit drugs in relation to Section 21 of RA 9165 was expounded by Atty. Randy Agustin, Chief, Legal and Prosecution Unit. Atty. Agustin also presented the various important jurisprudence in view of the procedures mentioned in the same Section 21 of RA 9165.
The seminar/webinar was facilitated by Administrative Division Chief Mr. Bryan Daryl C. Calang. It was attended virtually by Customs personnel from Port of Surigao, Sub-ports of Nasipit and Bislig, while other PDEA officers joined the training at the Customs office with strict observance to the necessary health protocols.
