THE Philippine National Police headed by General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency led by Director General Moro Virgilio M. Lazo have stepped-up their efforts to clear more drug-affected barangays nationwide so the Philippines can become a ‘drug-free country.’

So far, the continuing Barangay Drug-Clearing Program of the Marcos government has already resulted in the declaration of 27,248 barangays as ‘drug-cleared’ communities, the Journal Group learned yesterday.

Lazo said that another 8,332 barangays are still being subjected to drug-clearing operations after being tagged as ‘drug-affected.’

A Philippine Inter-Agency Report has noted a significant progress through the ‘whole-nation approach’ against illegal drugs since President Marcos assumed the presidency on June 30, 2022.

The top cop said that the program has led to the successful implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program with 27,248 or 76.67 percent of the previously identified 35,356 drug-affected barangay having been successfully cleared.

“In our pursuit of a safer and drug-free nation, we recognize the invaluable contributions of various stakeholders, including government agencies, local authorities and communities nationwide,” said the report prepared by the PDEA.

Since its inception in July 2016 until May 31, 2023, the Barangay Drug Clearing Program has proven to be an instrumental force in combating the drug crisis and restoring peace and security to affected communities, the report cited.

Among the 42,046 barangays in the country, 35,356 had previously been declared as ‘drug-affected.’ Of this total, 27,248 barangays have now been officially declared ‘drug-cleared.’

The breakdown of cleared barangays is as follows: 115 were seriously affected, 12,560 were moderately affected and 14,573 were slightly affected, the report indicated.

Acorda said they are not lowering their guards down when it comes to addressing illegal drug trafficking and abuse in the country.

“While acknowledging the remarkable progress made, we are also aware of the remaining challenges. Currently, 8,288 barangays continue to grapple with drug-related issues.

These barangays include 326 that are classified as seriously affected, 5,780 as moderately affected and 2,182 as slightly affected.

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

In citing this significant achievement, the PNP chief recognized the exceptional performance of certain regions in clearing drug-affected barangays.

Acorda said that Calabarzon stands out with an impressive drug-clearance rate of 97.06 percent.

The next four regions with good clearance rate are Cagayan Valley follows, 95.55 percent; Cordillera, 95.22 percent; Eastern Visayas, 94.52 percent and Soccsksargen, 89.37 percent.

The top cop expressed his gratitude to the PDEA, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Agency headed by Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ C. Abalos Jr. and other local government units and law enforcement agencies for their unswerving commitment to this cause.

Furthermore, he extended his appreciation to the barangay officials, the LGUs and courageous citizens who have actively participated in the battle against illegal drugs.

The strong partnership between the PNP and the PDEA, which marked its 21st founding anniversary last Monday, has led in the confiscation of some P21.72 billion worth of shabu and other illegal substance from July 1, 2022 to last April 30 alone, said Lazo.

The official said that during the period, the PDEA, the PNP and other law enforcement agencies in the country combined to account for 2.972 tons of the so-called ‘poor man’s cocaine,’ 13.53 kilograms of cocaine, 43,928 pieces of ‘Ecstasy’ and nearly 2.413 tons of dried marijuana leaves.

The PDEA chief said that the period also saw the arrest of 3,169 ‘high-value targets as well as 44,866 other drug personalities as a result of 32,225 anti-drug operations.

The arrested suspects are now facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Lazo said that 527 secret drug dens and one clandestine drug laboratory were also dismantled by government agents during the period as a result of the stepped-up war on illegal drugs ordered by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr.