MATI CITY, Davao Oriental (PIA) — In a bid to intensify efforts against drug smuggling in seaports, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental has recently established the Davao Oriental Seaport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Taskforce (DOSIDIT).
The initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), brings together key government agencies to enhance security measures and intelligence sharing, aiming to prevent the entry and exit of illegal drugs, precursors, and other prohibited substances through the main seaports in the province, particularly in Mati City.
Provincial Administrator Alejandro Aquino, representing Governor Niño Sotero L. Uy, and Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat led the ceremonial signing alongside officials from various law enforcement, maritime, and military agencies.
In his message, Uy emphasized the critical role of the task force in addressing security challenges in the province.
Similarly, Mayor Rabat noted that the creation of the inter-agency task force aligns with the city’s anti-drug campaign, reaffirming the city’s zero-tolerance stance against the illegal drug trade.
DOSIDIT primarily focuses on coordinated anti-drug operations, intelligence gathering, and capacity-building programs among its members.
Key priorities include intensified monitoring of seaports and shorelines for drug trafficking activities, the implementation of controlled delivery operations to dismantle drug syndicates, regular training and capability enhancement for personnel, and closer collaboration with national and international agencies to combat drug trafficking.
The task force is composed of multiple agencies, from law enforcement and intelligence units, maritime and port authorities, military forces, and the provincial and city governments of Davao Oriental and Mati City, working together.
Among the law enforcement and intelligence units are the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), which will lead operations and intelligence coordination.
For maritime and port authorities, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) will oversee port security and enforcement measures.
The military forces involved include the Philippine Navy, 701st Infantry Brigade, and the 67th and 66th Infantry Battalions of the Philippine Army, providing security support and manpower for interdiction efforts.
Meanwhile, the Davao Oriental Provincial Government and the City Government of Mati serve as the Chair and Co-Chair of the task force, ensuring seamless coordination and implementation of anti-drug initiatives across agencies.
This initiative aligns with the national anti-drug campaign, bolstering efforts to safeguard Davao Oriental’s communities from illegal drugs while enhancing regional security measures. (ASO, PIA XI/with reports from Mati CIO)
