2.4K villages in Bicol Region achieve drug-cleared status

LEGAZPI CITY – Almost 2,400 villages in the six provinces of the Bicol Region have achieved 100 percent drug-cleared status, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) said on Saturday.

Out of the 2,793 drug-affected villages, 2,399 have been declared as drug-cleared as of Aug. 23, PRO5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said in a report.

Among the total 3,471 barangays in the region, 678 are not affected.

The remaining 394 barangays yet to be cleared are in Albay, 36; Camarines Norte, 17; Camarines Sur, 296; Catanduanes, 2; Masbate, 31; and Naga City, 12.

Sorsogon has been 100-percent drug-cleared.

Dizon said the drug-clearing efforts of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency represent a comprehensive approach to monitoring and preventing the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region.

A barangay is deemed drug-cleared only after all identified drug users within its jurisdiction were documented, provided with appropriate interventions, and successfully underwent drug rehabilitation and aftercare programs.

Meanwhile, Dizon reported that 15 were arrested while P1.42 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in nine major operations on Friday.

A total of 209.17 grams of shabu and 2.39 grams of marijuana were seized.

Alongside the illegal drugs, authorities also seized illegal firearms and ammunition.

In Malinao, Albay, a village councilor was caught with 60 grams of shabu worth P408,000.

Dizon assured that aside from the operations, PRO5 will continuously conduct other initiatives to address the drug problem, which include community-based interventions, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with local government units and various stakeholders to create a holistic approach to drug prevention and rehabilitation. (PNA)