The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office-9 spearhead the destruction of approximately P42.44M worth of seized dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs) at the Permex Plant in Ayala Monday, November 14.

Destroyed through thermal decomposition or thermolysis, were 6,232.5868 kgs of methamphetamine hydrochloride (HCl) (worth P42.38M) and 538.4432 kilos of marijuana (worth P64,613.18), according to PDEA.

Mayor John Dalipe, represented by City Administrator Atty. Wendell Sotto and representatives from the civil society organizations, media, police, prosecutors, Public Attorneys Office (PAO), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), PDEA city office and other partner agencies witnessed the destruction.

Dalipe said the event is not merely about eradication of illegal substances but symbolizes the resolute stand against forces that threaten the well-being of the community.

“The Dalipe admin is steadfast in the dedication to promoting mental wellness and inclusive development recognizing that the battle versus illegal drugs is not only imperative but a moral obligation,” the mayor statement said.

Meanwhile PDEA-9 Assistant Regional Director Ralph Rommel Torres lauded Mayor Dalipe, the prosecutors, courts, media, CSOs, police and other partner agencies for sharing the common goal of eradicating illegal drugs in this part of the country. He said the event Monday was proof that “we can make things happen if we work together.”

“These are various dangerous drugs confiscated and surrendered and a large amount of these would have destroyed lives and families. But all these failed to reach their intended targets  because we work together,” Torres told the partner agencies during a brief program prior to the thermal destruction of the drugs.

He likewise thanked PERMEX Producer and Exporter Corporation for volunteering its facility to be used for the destruction of the dangerous drugs, free of charge and all for the service of the community.

Thermal decomposition or thermolysis involves breaking down chemical compounds with the use of tremendous heat.

The seized dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals were covered by court orders for destruction issued by various courts.