Drug-cleared barangays now at 26,244 – PNP

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 26,244 barangays nationwide have been “successfully cleared” of illegal drugs, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

The PNP said the number is equivalent to 74.23 percent of the total 35,356 barangays tagged as drug-affected.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin said 403 barangays were declared drug-free from July to Nov. 1.

He said the PNP is committed to clear the remaining 9,112 drug-affected barangays.

The PNP said 17,079 of the drug-infested barangays are slightly affected or with at least one confirmed or monitored drug user.

Up to 17,860 barangays are moderately affected or with identified drug users and drug dealers while 417 are seriously affected or where drug dens or clandestine laboratories have been monitored.

The PNP said Cagayan Valley has the highest number of drug-cleared barangays at 94.41 percent followed by the Cordilleras, 94.36 percent; Calabarzon, 93.95 percent; Eastern Visayas, 93.09 percent, and Soccsksargen, 88.25 percent.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in Metro Manila, 754 or 44 percent of 1,704 affected communities are now drug-free.

“This is still a bit far from the desirable figures, but with the help of our communities and our stakeholders, we are aiming that in the coming years, more communities will be cleared of illegal drugs,” she told reporters in Filipino.

1,531 ‘high-value’ suspects arrested

The PNP said 1,531 high-value drug suspects were arrested in 12,321 anti-narcotics operations over a period of 100 days.

Anti-drug operatives arrested 13,391 other drug personalities from July 1 to Oct. 8.

Azurin said the PNP would remain at the forefront of the campaign against illegal drugs through a “holistic approach.”

“Consistent with our mandate to serve and protect the citizenry, the PNP will continue to intensify its efforts in pursuit of our mission toward safer, more progressive and drug-free community,” he said.