PPA port security operations yield drug and contraband seizures across multiple ports in the recent months.
11 NOVEMBER 2026 — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) continues to strengthen security measures across PPA-managed ports nationwide in coordination with law enforcement agencies, as a series of operations from September to November this year resulted in the confiscation of suspected illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and other prohibited items.
Among the significant operations was the seizure of approximately 12,000 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱81.6 million, at the Port of Batangas on October 7, 2026. Four individuals were arrested during an operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), in coordination with the Batangas Port Police, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and PNP Maritime Group. Other operations resulted in the confiscation of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and ammunition in five separate incidents at Dumangas Port in Iloilo and Jordan and Sibunag Ports in Guimaras on October 10, 11, and 13. The Port Management Office (PMO) Panay/Guimaras coordinated with PDEA, local police stations, and other concerned authorities for the investigation and appropriate legal proceedings. At the Port of Masbate, a truck driver was arrested on October 11 after a glass pipe was discovered inside his bag during security screening at the Passenger Terminal Building. The Port Police Division (PPD), together with the PCG K9 Team, PDEA, and Maritime Police, responded to the incident.
Meanwhile, at the Port of Ormoc on October 30, during the Undas holiday break, a 60-year-old passenger was arrested after a baggage X-ray operator flagged a suspicious object inside his luggage. Further inspection led to the recovery of an improvised tooter, which was subsequently turned over to the authorities. The latest incident was recorded at the Port of Matnog on November 8, when a male passenger was arrested after authorities discovered a vape cartridge containing suspected liquid marijuana, weighing approximately one gram and valued at ₱1,700. Two glass tubes with residue were also recovered. The confiscated liquid will undergo laboratory examination to determine its composition.
To support these efforts, PPA continues to implement and enhance security protocols in its managed ports through baggage X-ray screening, physical inspections, CCTV monitoring, and the deployment of K9 units. These measures provide additional layers of protection in detecting prohibited substances and other potential security threats. PPA also partnered with the PCG in establishing the PCG-PPA K9 Training Academy in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Formally turned over to the Coast Guard in November 2024, the facility supports the specialized training, breeding, and veterinary care of K9 units for various security functions, including narcotics and explosives detection.
“Kahit Ber months, hindi po tayo nagpapabaya sa pagbabantay sa ating mga pantalan. Mas nakaalerto tayo ngayon dahil mas tumataas ang bilang ng mga pasahero at may mga pagkakataong nakakaisip ng iba't ibang paraan ang mga kawatan para makapagpuslit ng mga ilegal na bagay. Pero makakaasa po ang publiko na ginagawa natin ang lahat para hindi makalusot ang mga ito sa ating mahigpit na seguridad. The safety and security of our passengers remain among our highest priorities. We continue to strengthen our screening capabilities and work closely with our partner agencies to detect prohibited items and address potential security threats,” said PPA General Manager Jay Santiago.
The series of operations highlights the continuing efforts of PPA and its partner law enforcement agencies to prevent the use of port facilities for the transport of illegal drugs and other contraband, particularly as passenger traffic increases during the holiday travel season. PPA encourages passengers and other port users to cooperate with port security personnel, comply with established security protocols, and immediately report suspicious activities to the proper authorities.
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