In a significant victory for Cebu's anti-drug campaign, eight barangays across the province have been officially declared drug-cleared following thorough validation by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing.
The declaration comes after the committee, chaired by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 7, conducted meticulous assessments of each barangay's compliance with national anti-drug standards.
The Eight Drug-Cleared Barangays
The successful barangays span multiple municipalities in Cebu province:
- Alcoy: Poblacion
- Argao: Talaga
- Boljoon: Lower Becerril
- Ginatilan: Poblacion
- Malabuyoc: Poblacion
- Samboan: Poblacion and Suba
- Santander: Poblacion
Rigorous Validation Process
According to PDEA-7 Regional Director Levi S. Ortiz, the declaration followed a comprehensive evaluation process. "These barangays have successfully met all parameters set by the national government for drug-cleared status," Ortiz stated.
The validation process examines multiple factors including:
- Elimination of drug supply in the area
- Absence of drug transit activities
- No presence of drug laboratories or chemical warehouses
- No marijuana cultivation sites
- No drug dens or resort facilities
What Drug-Cleared Status Means
A drug-cleared declaration indicates that these barangays have effectively addressed their drug-related issues through coordinated efforts between local government units, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders.
The achievement represents a major milestone in the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs in Central Visayas, demonstrating that local communities can successfully combat drug proliferation through sustained effort and cooperation.
Local officials in the cleared barangays have committed to maintaining their drug-free status through continuous monitoring and community-based anti-drug programs.
