VP Duterte expresses 'deep regret' over PH link to regional drug trade

Vice President Sara Duterte expressed "deep regret" over the Philippines’ association with regional drug trafficking, emphasizing the need to step up law enforcement in the country and deepen security coordination across Southeast Asia.

In an official statement released on Sunday (October 11, 2026), Duterte directly addressed mounting concerns regarding the Philippines' involvement in transnational drug networks following major narcotics interceptions by neighboring nations.

"We recognize the concerns surrounding the Philippines’ role in regional drug trafficking and express my deep regret that our country has become associated with this problem," Duterte stated.

"As a member of ASEAN, the Philippines acknowledges its responsibility to do more."

Duterte extended her gratitude to foreign law enforcement authorities, particularly in Laos and Thailand, for intercepting massive drug shipments allegedly bound for the Philippines.

Recent regional operations—including a seizure of over 500 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine aboard a private aircraft in Laos and more than a metric ton of crystal meth off the Gulf of Thailand—highlighted the expanding reach of cross-border smuggling rings.

"I extend my sincere appreciation to the governments of Laos and Thailand for their continued efforts and firm commitment to combating illegal drug trafficking and strengthening regional security," she said.

"Their actions have helped save many Filipino families from the devastating effects of illegal drugs and have contributed to safer communities across the Philippines."

Reaffirming the country's commitment to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) security goals, the Vice President pledged that the Philippines will focus on improving intelligence-sharing mechanisms, tightening enforcement, and learning from the best practices of its neighbors to dismantle transnational syndicates.

"We commit ourselves to strengthening our law enforcement efforts, improving regional intelligence-sharing, and deepening cooperation with our ASEAN partners to combat transnational drug trafficking," Duterte added.

"The Philippines is committed to learning from the experiences of our neighbors, fulfilling our obligations as an ASEAN member, and working toward a safer and more secure Southeast Asia for all."

Philippine authorities, including the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), are currently coordinating with foreign counterparts to investigate the reported origin and destination networks linked to the recent regional drug busts.

-Paraluman News