BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Cordillera (PDEA – CAR) assures   relentless campaign against illegal drugs, and   the implementation of the barangay drug clearing program in the region.

PDEA – CAR Regional Director Gil Cesario Castro, in the recent 3rd Quarter Meeting of the Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council, here reported that from May 1 to August 15 this year, there were 290 anti – illegal drug operations conducted in partnership with the Police Regional Office – Cordillera (PRO – Cor). These resulted to the confiscation of around P159.79 million worth of illegal drugs, arrest of 44 personalities and 54 cases filed in court.

Castro also reported that for more efficient and effective monitoring and implementation of anti - illegal drug operations, PDEA – CAR and PRO – Cor have unified list that includes two drug groups with six active members and 77 drug personalities - 34 under the target list or those in active illegal drugs activities and 33 under watch list or those undergoing community – based rehabilitation program.

The PDEA – CAR also affirmed continuing implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program. Of the 1,178 barangays in the region, 766 are classified as drug - cleared, 327as drug – free, 36 are unaffected, and 50 drug - affected barangays are up for clearing.

For the remaining drug – affected barangays, 26 are in Abra, 11 in Baguio City, eight in Kalnga, three in Apayao and two in Benguet. The provinces of Ifugao and Mountain Province have no or zero drug – affected barangays.

 The PDEA – CAR also affirmed continuing implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program. Of the 1,178 barangays in the region, 766 are classified as drug - cleared, 327as drug – free, 36 are unaffected, and 50 drug - affected barangays are up for clearing.

For the remaining drug – affected barangays, 26 are in Abra, 11 in Baguio City, eight in Kalnga, three in Apayao and two in Benguet. The provinces of Ifugao and Mountain Province have no or zero drug – affected barangays.

Castro informed that Cordillera has the least drug affectation rate among the regions in the country, and bringing the remaining drug - affected barangays to be drug – cleared barangays is doable.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

On the challenge of clearing the Cordillera of marijuana plantations, the PDEA – CAR is    working on a comprehensive plan that the CRPOC is also supporting. He   hopes that in partnership with the national government through the Dangerous Drugs Board, will come up with a sustainable alternative livelihood program for the communities affected.

Meantime, Castro also reported that in partnership with Holcim Cement Philippines, PDEA – CAR is also already implementing a more efficient way of disposing confiscated illegal – drugs. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)