By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is warning the public about the use, sale, and cultivation of “magic mushrooms.” According to the PDEA, not only do these mushrooms pose health risks, but their use is also prohibited under Philippine laws.

This warning follows a buy-bust operation conducted by the PDEA on May 18 at a beach resort in Barangay Galongen, Bacnotan, La Union. During the operation, authorities confiscated lollipops, chocolate bars, and gummy bears believed to be infused with ‘magic mushrooms.’

Additionally, marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine valued at approximately ₱145,000 were seized. Seven individuals, including a foreigner, were arrested.

The investigation revealed that the suspects were cultivating these mushrooms and promoting the practice of micro-dosing—a technique involving taking a fraction of a regular dose for purported medicinal benefits.

The key ingredient in “magic mushrooms” is Psilocybin, sometimes referred to as “Katsubong” in some regions. “It is classified as an illegal substance in the Philippines,” the PDEA stated.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Calling the sacked ex-Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent Jonathan Morales a “pathological liar,” House Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Raul Angelo “Jil” D. Bongalon has dared the Senate Committee on Public Order chaired by Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to call confessed Davao Death Squad (DDS) member Arturo Lascañas and veteran anti-drug operative Eduardo Acierto to the so-called “PDEA leaks” hearings of the Senate.

On Monday (13 May 2024), Bongalon noted that instead of focusing on the testimony of Morales who had been dismissed from PDEA due to dishonesty and misconduct, Dela Rosa should invite Lascañas and Acierto instead as they are more credible witnesses in the illegal drugs trade.

“Kasi kung pinag-uusapan lang naman natin yung droga, para kasi nakikita natin one-sided yung investigation and wala naman po tayong nakukuhang credible testimony or information being said by this dismissed PDEA Agent (Morales). Kung pag-uusapan lang naman natin yung droga, bakit ‘di natin patawagin si Lascañas o si Acierto?” Bongalon said in a press conference on Monday (13 May 2024)

The Bicolano lawmaker said if Dela Rosa can invite Lascañas and Acierto to the inquiry, then they can shed light on the anti-drug war of the previous administration.

“I can recommend them to be part of this investigation and we’ll see. Kasi itong mga taong ito alam naman natin na naging bahagi na ito ng imbestigasyon noon pa, at sila po ay may mga dokumentong pinepresenta, may co-plan, may legitimate operations and therefore, for the purposes of having a fair discussion about drug related cases, let’s call these guys, Acierto and Lascañas,” Bongalon said.

He further noted that the integrity of the Senate as an institution is already suffering with the continued testimony of Morales as allowed by Dela Rosa.

(el Amigo/MNM)

The PNP, BOC, and PDEA unveiled P2.2 billion worth of methamphetamine (shabu) hidden in a beef jerky shipment at the Manila International Container Port in Tondo, Manila, on October 6, 2023.

Authorities estimate the drugs weigh 323 kilos and have a street value of P2.2 billion. They were discreetly packed in plastic packets, each wrapped in carbon paper and aluminum foil.

Media was shown neatly arranged 1,109 plastic packs allegedly containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.

(Report & photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)