PNP: 27,248 barangays cleared of illegal drugs

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 27,248 barangays across the country have been cleared of illegal drugs, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

This represents 76.67 percent of the 35,536 barangays nationwide that were identified as drug-affected.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. lauded government agencies, local officials and communities for helping bring down the number of drug-affected barangays.

“As we continue our fight against illegal drugs, we remain committed to ensuring the safety, security and well-being of every Filipino citizen,” Acorda said in a statement.

Of the drug-cleared barangays, 115 were classified as seriously affected and 12,560 moderately affected.

The remaining 14,573 were described as slightly affected.

The regions that registered the highest drug clearance rate are Calabarzon with 97.06 percent followed by Cagayan Valley, 95.55 percent; the Cordilleras, 95.22 percent; Eastern Visayas, 94.52 percent, and Soccsksargen, 89.37 percent.

Acorda acknowledged the progress in clearing drug-affected barangays, but stressed the need to rid illegal drugs in the remaining 8,288, barangays, 326 of them classified as seriously affected.

“We stand committed to ensuring the prompt rehabilitation of these areas through ongoing drug-clearing operations,” he said.