2 Bicol towns declared drug-free

LEGAZPI CITY—Two towns in as many provinces in the Bicol region had received a coveted certification of being cleared of drugs but would need to keep heeding at least 14 conditions to keep the distinction.

On Thursday, Oct. 3, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the town of San Vicente in Camarines Norte and Magdalena in Sorsogon had been declared drug-free already.

Christian Frivaldo, PDEA regional director and chair of the regional oversight committee on drugs, said the two towns were issued clearance after a process of validation and assessment by several government bodies that included regional peace and order councils, the Department of Interior and Local Government and other law enforcement agencies.

The two fifth class towns were given passing marks after meeting at least 14 conditions set by the Dangerous Drugs Board.

These included activating barangay anti-drug abuse councils, zero supply of drugs, zero drug pusher, zero user, zero coddler, zero financier, zero drug shipment, zero drug lab, zero drug warehouse, zero marijuana farms, zero drug den and a functioning drug awareness campaign and rehab program.

Frivaldo, however, said the towns would be monitored for continued compliance with the conditions. Failure to keep complying with the conditions would lead to clearance revocation.

Sta. Magdalena in Sorsogon has 14 villages and 16,848 residents while San Vicente in Camarines Norte has nine villages and a population of 10,396. Mar S. Arguelles/tsb