BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
ILOILO City – One of the two candidate barangays in Dumangas, Iloilo has been declared drug-free by the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) of the town.
Dumangas police chief, Inspector Charlie Sustento confirmed that Mayor Rolando Distura, as chairman of MADAC, approved the declaration of Barangay Tambobo as free from illegal drugs.
However, Sustento said, the official declaration will be done by Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director, Senior Superintendent Cornelio Salinas, perhaps today during a command conference.
“We have complied with the three phases – pre-operation, operation and post operation, as stipulated in Republic Act 9165 – needed before a barangay can be declared drug-free,” said Sustento.
Republic Act 9165 is the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Sustento said it was on June 23 this year when they started taking up steps toward the elimination of illegal drugs from barangays Tambobo and Jardin.
Activities included apprehending drug users and pushers, and conducting recreational activities among residents like friendship games and tree planting, among others, said Sustento.
He expressed confidence that Barangay Jardin will also be declared drug-free before this year ends.
Today’s command conference will evaluate the performance of all chiefs of police as regards the “war” against illegal drugs./PN
