TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, January 19 (PIA) -- Drug affectation in Bohol has gone down compared to the previous years due to the government’s drug-clearing efforts in the local government units.

This was revealed by Ma. Chona Egam, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) intelligence officer, during the recent joint meeting of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council and the Provincial Peace and Order Council at the Ceremonial Hall of the Provincial Capitol.

Egam said the implementation of Barangay Drug Clearing Program has contributed much in the decrease of the severity of the illegal drug problem in the province.

While the local authorities implement a two-pronged strategy in addressing the problem, a regional oversight team takes charge of approving resolutions on the ongoing drug-clearing operations.

Egam said various government agencies cooperate, coordinate, and collaborate in supply reduction and demand reduction and in the rehabilitation of drug users.

“It is now down to 449 barangays that need to be cleared of illegal drugs,” said Egam.

She said the Regional Oversight Committee  has cleared a total of 643 barangays or 60 percent of the total barangays in Bohol.

The committee is composed of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Department of Health, Department of Justice, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and the Regional Peace and Order Council.

The constitution of the ROC as a key element in the nationwide implementation of drug clearing program was instituted in the Dangerous Drugs Board Resolution No. 2, series of 2020, to monitor, evaluate and require submission of reports in compliance with the drug clearing regulations, deliberate and conduct validations and approve resolutions for the declaration of drug-cleared and drug-free communities and facilities.

Of Bohol’s total 1,109 barangays, 17 have not been affected by drugs, said Egam.

From July 1 to October 15, PDEA has completed 103 passenger and cargo screening, passenger profiling, and search and seizure operations.

During these operations, Egam said the authorities netted 16 high value targets and seized nearly P 1.5 million worth of drugs. (PIA Bohol)