Manila: Police in Negros Oriental are tightening their intelligence and monitoring activities against illegal drugs as the charter day and fiesta of this capital city draw near, and in preparation for the Christmas holidays. Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) and head of the provincial tourist police, told the Philippine News Agency on Monday that there appears to be a trend of increased shabu supply during major events in the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the recent Buglasan Festival celebration last month, a high-profile individual from the police’s list of drug personalities was arrested along with a substantial quantity of suspected shabu seized from him. This was followed by the arrest of another high-value individual on Friday evening, which led to the seizure of 400 grams of suspected shabu valued at roughly PHP2.7 million.

Dumaguete City will be celebrating its charter day on Nov. 24 and the feast of its patroness, St. Catherine of Alexandria, the following day. Some activities in line with these celebrations are already scheduled this week, with an influx of tourists and visitors from other towns and cities expected on Saturday for the Sandurot Festival street dancing and grand showdown.