Negros oriental: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Negros Oriental seized more than PHP8.2 million worth of suspected shabu in separate anti-illegal drug operations across the province during the first half of 2026. PDEA-Negros Oriental Provincial Chief Elmer Ebona attributed the accomplishments to both independent operations and joint efforts with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA records indicated that from January to June, the agency conducted four buy-bust operations and executed one search warrant, resulting in the arrest of 12 suspects. In its independent operations, PDEA confiscated approximately 39.924 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP271,483.

The joint operations with the PNP led to the arrest of three additional suspects and the seizure of 1,183.541 grams of suspected shabu, which has an estimated street value of more than PHP8 million. Ebona emphasized the significance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies to effectively tackle the province's illegal drug problem.