New drug players in W. Visayas

ILOILO CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is setting its sights on new drug players in Western Visayas.

“We all know this [illegal drug trading] is a lucrative business. Definitely, there are new players,” said PDEA Regional Director Emerson Margate.

Since President Duterte took office, the Ilonggo leaders of two major drug groups in the region have been killed. Melvin “Boyet” Odicta Sr. was gunned down in August 2016 and Richard “Buang” Prevendido was killed by police officers for allegedly resisting arrest in September 2017.

Margate and his personnel were assigned to Western Visayas from Central Visayas after switching places with the team of PDEA Regional Director Wardley Getalla.

Margate, who officially reported earlier this week, told Manila Bulletin he will focus on areas with a history of rampant drug trafficking.

He singled out groups in Negros Occidental, but did not mention them by name. But he assured that his agents have been tracking the group personalities.

Another focus area will be Aklan, especially as world-renowned Boracay Island is scheduled to reopen to tourists by October 26.

Margate said PDEA is still prioritizing Iloilo City, the regional capital.

The agency is also pressing drugclearing operations in the barangays.

“There are those attempting to get in the barangay,” Margate said.