AKLAN – All 220 drug-affected barangays in this province were all cleared, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 6.
However, this would still be subject to monitoring, according to Shey Tanaleon, spokesperson.
“Basi may bag-o nga drug users or pushers,” she said.
This province has 327 barangays.
Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, meanwhile, had the least drug-cleared barangays with 21.31 percent and 38.42 percent, respectively.
The province of Antique posted 99.32 percent, Iloilo province – 96.28 percent, Guimaras – 93.88 percent, Capiz – 86.46 percent, and Iloilo City – 48.88 percent.
According to Tanaleon, Bacolod and Negros Occidental have a very low turnout because of the delay in their rehabilitation and reformation for drug surrenderers.
In order for a certain barangay to be declared as drug-cleared, Tanaleon said all drug surrenderers would undergo rehabilitation. Once they completed the number of days of rehabilitation, their graduation certificate would be attached to the application form of a certain barangay for drug clearing.
“It is not easy to apply for drug-clearing because there are processes to follow. Once nag-positive ang drug surrenderer indi sia maka-graduate, so ma-delay ang drug-clearing,” Tanaleon explained.
Director Alex Tablate of PDEA-6 said he would focus on Bacolod and Negros Occidental, admitting that these areas are still the “main sources” of illegal drugs.
Tablate said they were monitoring five drug groups there.
“With the help of the police and other agencies, more drug pushers will be arrested,” Tablate said./PN
