BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Cordillera (PDEA – CAR) calls for continuing   strong partnership among law enforcement agencies, local government units and other stakeholders in sustaining the low rate of illegal drug affectation in the region amidst  the relentless campaign against illegal drugs.  

During the Development Administration and Good Governance Committee of the Cordillera Regional Development Council 1st Quarter meeting on February 20, PDEA – CAR headed by OIC Regional Director Julius Paderes reported that of the 1,178 barangays in the region, 362 are unaffected while 777 are classified as drug– cleared barangays.

Only 39 barangays remain as drug-affected, of which 26 are in Abra, seven in Kalinga, four in Baguio City and one each in Benguet and Apayao.

PDEA – CAR also reported that of the 77 drug personalities listed in the region, 50 of them are in the target list while 27 are in the watch list.

Meanwhile, an estimated P127 million worth of illegal drugs were seized/confiscated for fiscal year 2022, and relentless campaign against illegal drugs continues this year.

PDEA, in partnership with the Baguio City Police Office, conducted a buy bust operation in Km. 3 Asin Road, Baguio City that led to the dismantling of a drug den and arrest of six individuals in Feb. 17. On the same day, PDEA arrested a female target – listed female in Poblacion North Lagawe, Ifugao.

In February 18, PDEA and PNP armed with a search warrant, dismantled another drug den and arrested four personalities in Bontoc, Mountain Province.

The PDEA and PNP also conducted marijuana eradication campaign in two sites at Sitio Balay Tinoc West in Tinglayan, Kalinga on February 18 to 20 where full-grown marijuana plants estimated at P17.8 million were uprooted and torched.

Also tackled in the meeting presided by DevAd Chairperson, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong were updates on the peace and order by the PNP, on the Devolution Transition Plan initiatives in the region by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and DevAd and Good Governance – related chapters of the 2023- 2028 Regional Development Plan and Regional Development Investment Plan. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)