6 barangays in Apayao now ‘drug-cleared,’ 10 ‘drug free’ –PDEA

Luna, Apayao – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Apayao has reported that the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) declared five out of six recently tagged as Drug Affected Barangays (DAB) drug cleared, while 10 out of 12 barangays in 2022 were confirmed as ‘drug-free.’

By DILG definition, a drug-cleared barangay refers to a barangay previously classified as a drug affected and underwent (Barangay Drug Clearing Program) BDCP and declared as drug-cleared by the ROCBDC, while a drug-free barangay refers to an unaffected Barangay that has been vetted and confirmed by ROCBDC.

A drug-affected barangay is one that has reported and validated the presence of PWUDs, pushers, drug den maintainers, coddlers, protectors, financiers, cultivators, manufacturers, and others.

During the first quarter Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) meeting held jointly with the PPOC, PDC, and Kapehan this March 6, 2023, the agency attributed the success to the year-round demand and supply reduction programs against illegal drugs through education and community involvement activities and other sustainable alternative development programs.

PDEA-Apayao also said 71 out of the 96 barangays in the province have sustained their drug-cleared status.

In a statement, through the Apayao PIO, PDEA- Apayao said they “will continue our close coordination with all duty bearers in the sustainability of the implementation of Supply Reduction, Demand Reduction and Barangay Drug Clearing Programs toward drug-resistant and self-policing communities.”

In the same event, PDEA encouraged Municipalities to apply for the “Balangay Seal of Excellence,” the highest recognition conferred to performing implementers of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program.

Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., meantime, reminds his constituents and government workers to help in maintaining peace and order in the province noting it is public order and safety that facilitates progress and development in an area.

OTHER NEWS  

Balbalan LGU gives recognition to top achievers

Follow Guru Press Cordillera  on Facebook for more News and Information