SOME 3,000 barangays across Region 1 have been officially declared drug-cleared by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

According to PDEA Region 1, a total of 3,075 barangays, or 94.12% of all barangays in the region, have successfully met the criteria for being drug-free. This marks a significant improvement from the 89.65% drug-clearance rate recorded in 2017.

Speaking during the Fourth Quarter Meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), PDEA Region Director Benjamin Gaspin said the agency’s continuous drug-clearing operations significantly raised the drug-clearance rate in the region over the past few years.

La Union emerged as the province with the highest clearance rate at 97.22%, leaving only 16 barangays still classified as drug-affected. Meanwhile, Pangasinan’s drug-clearance rate stands at 95.01%, with 68 barangays still undergoing clearing operations.

Ilocos Norte reported a 92.67% clearance rate, with 41 barangays still affected by illegal drugs. In Ilocos Sur, 67 barangays have yet to be cleared of drug-related issues.

Gaspin also highlighted the effectiveness of the intensified supply reduction measures employed by PDEA, which led to the arrest of 708 drug personalities in 1,009 operations conducted from July to November this year. (Ahikam Pasion)