CAMP BGEN OSCAR M. FLORENDO, La Union—The drug problem in the Ilocos-Pangasinan region is now on the wane if court records showing lesser number of cases being filed now are any indication.

Judge Victor Viloria of the Regional Trial Court in La Union noted that there are now lesser cases being filed in court for violation of the Anti-Drugs Law.

This is not only true in the province of La Union but also in the provinces of Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, he said.

The judge believes that this could show that people involved in illicit drug trade, including the drug abusers, have now been drastically reduced.

“I extend my congratulations to PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) and the police as illegal drug cases have now been lessened and that court dockets are now also unclogged, said Viloria.

Viloria made the informal assessment after attending the burning of some P4.5 million worth of marijuana plants at Camp Diego Silang here on Monday.

The marijuana plants were seized in raids conducted by the police in various plantations located in the tri-boundaries of La Union, Ilocos Sur and Benguet, as well as in other operations.

“It’s a job well done, Police and PDEA personnel are doing their best, he added.

Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil, police regional director, admitted that lawmen are now gaining ground in their campaign against illegal drugs.

He added however that the problem on illegal drugs could not be easily solved, that is why they are still further strengthening their forces in an effort to totally eradicate the menace.