ILOILO City – Keeping a barangay’s drug-free status requires constant vigilance.
“While we’re making significant progress, it’s important to remember that drug-free status is not permanent. We regularly validate and verify the status of barangays,” said Graciella Tanaleon, information officer of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Western Visasyas.
Under the Barangay Drug Clearing Program, over 93 percent of the region’s barangays have been deliberated, with 2,400 barangays cleared and 1,300 declared drug-free, PDEA data showed.
However, 264 barangays are still awaiting final evaluation by the Regional Oversight Committee, said Tanaleon.
“Those who fail to update their information may face revocation of their clearance,” she warned.
Tanaleon added that other regions have already revoked the drug-free status of some of their barangays due to similar oversight issues.
PDEA assured that while the illegal drug trade in Western Visayas remains a challenge, the situation is still under control, thanks to sustained efforts and vigilance from law enforcement agencies.
“We are still facing problems, but the overall situation is manageable,” said Tanaleon.
She emphasized that the agency is maintaining a strong presence through continuous operations and intelligence gathering, especially in high-risk areas.
From January to February 22 this year, PDEA reported dismantling a total of eight drug dens across the region, including three in Iloilo City, two in Capiz, and one each in Bacolod, Antique, and Iloilo province.
Tanaleon clarified that these actions reflect the success of their proactive monitoring, not an uptick in drug-related activities.
“Our operations are targeted and effective. We continue to track and neutralize drug operations to keep the region safe,” she said, stressing the importance of community involvement and preventive education in the ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug activities./PN
