DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, July 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) here disclosed that there 1,013 persons who use drugs (PWUDs) in Dumaguete City. 

PDEA Agent Elmer Ebona said majority of the drug users were identified from 2016 to 2018.

In a separate meeting, PDEA also reported that of the 30 barangays in Dumaguete Ciyu, only one barangay is drug-cleared and three are drug-free barangays.

For the second district of Negros Oriental which includes Dumaguete City, only 28 barangays are drug-cleared and 13 are drug-free out of the total 174 barangays.

In the first district, out of the total 218 barangays, only four are drug-cleared and 31 are drug-free.

The third district has 51 barangays drug-cleared and seven are drug-free out of the total 155 barangays, according to PDEA. 

Drug-cleared barangays are classified as areas that were previously drug-affected and have been subjected to drug clearing operations and declared “cleared” from any illegal drug activities based on the parameters set by the Dangerous Drugs Board.

Drug-free barangays are unaffected by drugs and has no presence of drug personalities or illegal drug activities.

The Dumaguete City Social Welfare and Development Office has been tasked to undertake the aftercare of those who completed the 13-session Matrix Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program so they can avail of livelihood opportunities and be integrated to the mainstream society.

Liga ng mga Barangay President Dionie Amores and Sangguniang Kabataan President Renz Macion also pledged to continue the information drive against illegal drugs use in the barangays and among the youth.

PDEA will coordinate with the Department of Health, City Health Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, and Department of Interior and Local Government for the continued implementation of the agency’s programs and initiatives. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)