The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Lanao del Norte vowed to continue to intensify its campaign against illegal drugs
During the 4th quarter joint meeting between the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), PDEA conveyed that there are already eight (8) out of 22 municipalities in the province that are drug cleared and/or drug free namely Kolambugan, Pantao Ragat, Linamon, Magsaysay, Matungao, Nunungan, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Tagoloan, and Tangcal.
According to the enforcement agency, three municipalities are also about to be declared as drug cleared. These are the municipalities of Maigo, Sapad and Kauswagan.
Barangay Drug Clearing Officer (BDCO) Ramil Salido pointed out that 299 out of 462 barangays in the province are already drug-cleared, 50 are certified unaffected, and four are unaffected.
“The percent of drug affectation of barangays here in Lanao del Norte is 23.59%, which is third to the lowest mark in the whole region 10, next to Camiguin and Misamis Occidental considering the geographic and population size of the province,” elaborated Salido.
Furthermore, PDEA expressed appreciation to the cooperation of local government units (LGU) in its initiatives to support drug reformists by announcing that out of the cities and provinces in the region, Lanao del Norte has the most number of established ‘Balay Silangan’.
Nine towns have built and fully-operated the Balay Silangan in their respective localities, and two more from Lala and Pantar towns are on its final stages for approval.
Hence, the agency assessed that LGUs in the province are now active in the fight against illegal drugs. Barangay and BADAC officials are now aware of the penalty for the non-compliance of the CBRP and have seen the positive effects of the program.
To add, PDEA will still continue to conduct a series of operations to reduce the demand, supply and harm that illegal drugs may bring to the province.
“Are we winning? Indeed we are winning, but we need to win again and win more to fully eliminate illegal drugs for our community’s future,” remarked Salido.(CLGV/PIA-ICIC)
