PHILIPPINE Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)–Western Visayas director Emerson Margate is pushing for the intervention of the local government unit (LGU) in intensifying the security in seaports.
Margate said they have difficulty in checking ports manned by private owners because some of it is not accounted.
"LGUs should have jurisdiction to also inspect ports in their respective areas. It could be through ordinances," he added.
However, he said there has been no existing law mandating them to do it.
On August 8, PDEA-Western Visayas and Central Visayas, along with the provincial police, recovered six kilos of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or what is commonly known as shabu worth P72 million in a drug bust at Barangay Palampas, San Carlos City.
However, suspects Armando Paraquelles, his wife Josephine, and a certain "Putot," managed to escape.
PDEA-Western Visayas said the illegal drugs probably came from a backdoor source either through Mindanao then to Central Visayas until it reached Negros Island.
But according to the police, the items allegedly came from Manila and passed by Cebu City. Then it entered the shoreline of Negros Island through a pump boat to San Carlos City.
Margate said PDEA is conducting random inspections in seaports to also determine what needs to be improved on the security measures.
They are also intensifying their intelligence monitoring to prevent the entry of illegal drugs.
However, he admitted that seaports here lack K-9 dogs and x-ray machines that can help in port security.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Occidental has also intensified their security measures following the big drug haul.
They also said that there is still a need for additional manpower and equipment to easily detect the contents of items being transported in the province.
