PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – The Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD)-9 continues to advocate for public awareness about the dangers of illegal drugs. This effort has contributed to the decline of drug affectation in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Recent report of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-9 shows that out of the 1,904 barangays in the Zamboanga Peninsula, 1,393 are already drug-cleared, while 115 remain unaffected. This leaves only 20.8%, or 396 barangays, still affected by the drug problem as of June 10, 2024.
PDEA Information Officer Dharmalyn Jumlail attributed this accomplishment to the proactive efforts of government agencies, local government units, and law enforcement authorities. “We will focus more on prevention, rehabilitation and socio-economic development,” Jumlail said.
PDEA also said that four additional barangays in Zamboanga City have been declared drug-cleared last May 2024, while 11 barangays are expected to be declared as drug-cleared in Zamboanga Sibugay.
“We have implemented additional drug-clearing measures in Region 9, resulting in more barangays being declared drug-cleared,” Jumlail said.
As of now, Zamboanga City remains the most affected area in the region with a rate of 71.43 percent, followed by Isabela City at 57.78 percent. Meanwhile, Zamboanga del Norte shows the lowest drug affectation rate at 8.54 percent.
This was reported by PDEA during the second regular meeting of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti- Illegal Drugs (ICAD)-9 Advocacy Cluster, with a focus on reinforcing the barangay drug clearing program and diminishing the status of drug affection in the region.
The ICAD-9 Advocacy Cluster Committee continues to promote public awareness about the dangers of illegal drugs. As part of ICAD’s efforts, awareness campaigns are conducted through media, workshops, and community events.
With these initiatives, the committee aims to achieve a drug-free zone in the Zamboanga Peninsula and throughout the Philippines by integrating and harmonizing efforts from various government agencies, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders. (EDT/CCP/HTB/EMAM/PIA9)
