Drug problem much better

Now than then, says PDEA

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Jan 19 (PIA)—Drug affectation in Bohol, the peace and order situation as affected by illegal drug problem is “better off” now that in the previous years.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) representative and Intelligence Officer Ma. Chona Egam bared this, during the joint meeting of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) and the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) at the Ceremonial Hall of the Provincial Capitol, recently.

For the alleviated situation, PDEA credits this to the implementation of Barangay Drug Clearing Program which has contributed much in the decrease of the severity in illegal drug problem.

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

Different government agencies cooperate, coordinate and collaborate in supply reduction and demand reduction, and in rehabilitating and taking care of the drug personalities who have decided to straighten up, PDEA explained during another interview.

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

Reporting at the joint PADAC and PPOC meeting, she said that the Regional Oversight Committee (ROC) has cleared a total of 643 barangays or 60% of the total barangays in Bohol.

The ROC as 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 representatives with the PDEA acting as Chairman and providing the secretariat tasks.

The constitution of the ROC as a key element in the nationwide implementation of drug clearing program was instituted in the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) 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 1,109 barangays, 17 of these have not been affected by drugs, she pointed out.

PDEA also hinted that from July 1 to October 15, or some three months and a half, they completed 103 K9 sweeping and 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, as per DDB value.

In the PDEA summary of accomplishments, PDEA still counts on their Training for Trainor's on Community Based Anti-Illegal Drugs Advocacy to LGU representatives, with the support of the Provincial Government of Bohol, to further sustain the unified efforts. (PIAbohol)

MUCH BETTER. More coordinated anti-illegal drugs campaign coupled with communities getting involved in the fight has led to more successes, cites PDEA agent Ma. Chona Egam during the recent PADAC meeting. (PIAbohol)