The initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), brings together multiple government agencies to combat drug smuggling in the province’s ports, particularly in Mati City.
Governor Niño Sotero L. Uy, represented by Provincial Administrator Atty. Alejandro Aquino, signed the MOU along with Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) officials, and representatives from various law enforcement, military, and maritime agencies.
The DOSIDIT aims to tighten security measures and enhance intelligence-sharing among agencies to prevent the entry and exit of illegal drugs, precursors, and other prohibited substances through the province’s main seaports.
The task force will focus on coordinated anti-drug operations, intelligence gathering, and capacity-building efforts among its members.
Governor Uy, who will serve as the Task Force Chair, emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing the province’s security challenges.
Mayor Rabat, who will serve as Co-Chair, echoed the sentiment, stressing that "our city will not tolerate any form of illegal drug trade."
Among the agencies involved in the DOSIDIT are:
Law enforcement and intelligence units: PDEA, Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).
Maritime and port authorities: Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Military forces: Philippine Navy, 701st Infantry Brigade, 67th and 66th Infantry Battalions of the Philippine Army.
Local government units: Davao Oriental Provincial Government and the City Government of Mati.
The DOSIDIT Operations Center will be based at the Balay Silangan Compound in Mati City, serving as the command hub for all interdiction activities, intelligence sharing, and real-time coordination among agencies.
The MOU outlines several objectives, including:
* Intensified monitoring of seaports and shorelines for drug trafficking activities.
* Implementation of controlled delivery operations to dismantle drug syndicates.
* Regular training and capability enhancement for personnel.
* Closer collaboration with national and international agencies to combat drug trafficking.
Each participating agency has been tasked with specific roles in line with its mandate. For instance, PDEA will take the lead in operations and intelligence coordination, while the PNP and AFP units will provide security and manpower for checkpoints and interdiction efforts.
With the DOSIDIT now in place, authorities in Davao Oriental are strengthening their stance against illegal drug trade and ensuring that seaports are well-secured from criminal elements.
This initiative aligns with the national government’s broader anti-drug campaign and regional security measures.
The launch of the DOSIDIT signals a renewed commitment by local leaders and law enforcement agencies to protect Davao Oriental’s communities from the dangers of illegal drugs.
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