29,390 barangays cleared of illegal drugs – PDEA

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Thursday reported that 69.97 percent, or 29,390 barangays nationwide, are now cleared of illegal drugs. 

In its report, PDEA said 42,002 barangays in the country were previously classified as “drug-affected.” 

The 29,390 barangays were declared “drug-cleared” by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing  (ROCBDC) after going through the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP), PDEA said. 

“A barangay is declared cleared from illegal drug activities upon satisfying the parameters set forth in Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 4 Series of 2021, otherwise known as Sustaining the Implementation BDCP and Repealing for such purpose Board Regulation No. 3 Series of 2017,” PDEA explained.

ROCBDC comprises regional representatives of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Health, and local government units.

Meanwhile, 6,113 barangays nationwide (14.55 percent) remain drug-affected, which PDEA said meant that authorities “reported and validated” the presence of individuals involved with illegal drugs. 

The agency aims “to attain drug-resistant and self-policing communities by 2030.”