BACOLOD City – Three cities and seven municipalities in Negros Occidental were declared drug-cleared by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) during the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council meeting at the provincial capitol here on Thursday, March 7.
Cornelio Espartero, PDEA provincial director, identified these as the cities of Bago, Sipalay, and Himamaylan; and the towns of Candoni, E.B. Magalona, La Castellana, Manapla, Moises Padilla, Pulupandan, and Valladolid.
Espartero also said they have implemented interventions to facilitate the rehabilitation of persons who use drugs (PWUDs) and community-based rehabilitation programs as conducted by the Department of Health.
PDEA-Negros Occidental further revealed that of the total 601 barangays in the province, 471 are now drug-cleared.
Espartero, however, clarified that these barangays are still subject for monitoring by the oversight committee to ensure they maintain their status.
The PDEA, Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies in the province are also aiming to assist the remaining barangays to be cleared of illegal drugs. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
