Iloilo to acquire sniffing dogs for antidrug campaign

ILOILO CITY—The provincial and city governments of Iloilo have decided to purchase K9 dogs that can detect illegal drugs to fortify security at its air and sea ports.

The decision to buy Jack Russell dogs that will be trained by the Philippine Coast Guard on drug-sniffing was reached after the Iloilo Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council convened on Dec. 20.

“Guarding the borders against drugs is not that easy. But we will maximize guarding ports and if we can help procure sniffing dogs for our police, we will do it,” said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.

Iloilo’s main air gateway, Iloilo International Airport, is located in Cabatuan town, which is about 30 kilometers from Iloilo City, while its main seaport, in Iloilo City, links the province to other seaports in the country.

Defensor stressed the need to augment port entry surveillance.

“We’re ready to bolster our operatives at the port. As the drugs come from Negros, we need K9 sniffing dogs because X-rays aren’t sufficient for all vehicles,” he said.

Defensor said that additional canine units may be acquired either through rental or purchase.

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“We’ll prevent drug entry. There’s no laboratory here in Iloilo so our focus is on interception,” he said.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, in a separate interview, explained the city government also planned to acquire Jack Russell dogs.

He said the city government is poised to take proactive measures, especially with the celebration of the Dinagyang Festival in January and recognizing the potential for increased drug activity during the holiday season. —RUCHELLE DEMAISIP INQ