PDEA keeps close watch of long coastline
DRUG SUPPLY REDUCTION STRATEGY
CONFIDENT that there is no more shabu laboratory operating the region to keep the supply going, Philippine Enforcement Agency, with Philippine Coast Guard, PNP Maritime and local governments of coastal areas, has began keeping a close watch on the region’s coastline to deter possibility of smuggling of illegal drugs.
PDEA Region 1 Director Jeoffrey Tacio said there were reports of smuggling through the sea in previous years and warned that it can resume its vigilance in coastal communities.
He said since the former hotspots in the cities of Dagupan and Urdaneta have been cleared, druglords may now opt to use coastal communities.
Meanwhile, he also warned that barangays and towns in Pangasinan already declared clear of drugs, will be reverted to their status as drug-affected if the local governments do not act on the reported cases of illegal activities of users or pushers.
He did not elaborate on the number of drug-cleared barangays in danger of being reverted to their old status.
He reminded the police and local governments of PDEA’s established parameters for establishing status of communities to ensure that a balanced approach is employed for the effective rehabilitation of drug users and are able to return to their productive lives.
The regional oversight committee, he said, is presently validating 18 towns in Pangasinan to be declared drug-cleared based on the recommendation of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office.
So far, six towns and one city in the region have been declared clear of drugs: Sto. Tomas, Laoag, Agno and Alaminos City in Pangasinan; Suyod in Ilocos Sur, Burgos and Bagulin in La Union.
Set to be declared as drug-cleared this week are the towns of Dasol and Mapandan after completing the validation by PDEA and the oversight committee.
PDEA records show 225 barangays in Pangasinan are drug–cleared, and 484 barangays in the whole region. Still being processes in the region are 2,401 barangays.
The delisting of drug personalities also follow a process and it starts with undergoing formal rehabilitation. (Nora Dominguez)
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