29 additional barangays get drug-cleared status

CEBU, Philippines — In its recent progress report on the Barangay Drug Clearing Program, Central Visayas recorded an additional 29 barangays achieving drug-cleared status, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7.

These new statuses were granted following the deliberation process conducted by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) at PDEA-7 in Lahug, Cebu City, on September 25, 2024.

Of the 29 barangays, 15 are from Bohol, six from Negros Oriental, and five from Cebu. Additionally, three highly-urbanized cities (HUCs) were included: Barangay Ibo and Barangay Talima in Lapu-Lapu City, and Barangay Pagsabungan in Mandaue City.

The 15 barangays from Bohol come from different towns, including three from the municipality of Guindulman: barangays Basdio, Bato, and Canhaway; three from municipality of Dagohoy: barangays Cagawasan, Caluasan, and Mahayag; two from Clarin: barangays Katipunan and Mataub; another two from municipality Buenavista: barangays Catigbian and Baluarte; and Barangay Badbad Occidental in Loon, Barangay Alegria Norte in Loay, Barangay Kabasacan in Sagbayan, Barangay Bolod in Panglao and Barangay Canagong in Sikatuna.

In Negros Oriental the listed ones are Barangay Dawis, Bayawan City; Barangay Lumapao, Canlaon City; Barangay Balogo and Imelda in Guihulngan City; Barangay San Isidro, Manjuyod; and Barangay Bugnay, Mabinay.

While the five barangays in Cebu are the following; Barangay Gimama a, Tuburan; Barangay Can-asujan, Carcar City; Barangay San Jose Pob., Catmon; Barangay Jolomaynon and Tuba in Dalaguete.

During the same deliberation, 51 drug-cleared and six drug-free barangays in Siquijor Province and Cawhagan in Lapu-Lapu City successfully retained their status. The deliberation was presided over by PDEA 7 Regional Director and committee chairperson, Emerson L. Margate.

The declaration of barangays as drug-free is part of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) in accordance with DDB Regulation No. 4, Series of 2021.

 The continued implementation of anti-illegal drug programs in drug-cleared and drug-free barangays, including the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations, is a critical part of BDCP. This ensures that the barangays are always ready to address any new drug activities or relapse cases,  reads a portion in the PDEA-7 press statement. -  LPM (CEBU NEWS)