The intensified drug clearing program of LGU Daanbantayan has resulted in the declaration of all 20 barangays cleared from llegal drugs.
On Friday, December 15, 2023, Barangay Poblacion has been declared drug-cleared by the Regional Oversight Committee after a successful implementation of their Barangay Drug Clearing Program.
The Oversight Committee is composed of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Department of Health, and Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council.
Previously, 19 other barangays have also attained drug-cleared status. These were barangays Tapilon, Agujo, Bitoon, Lanao, Talisay, Calape, Dalingding, Logon, Pajo, Tinubdan, Tominjao, Bagay, Malingin, Malbago, Carnaza, Bateria, Bakhawan, Paypay, and Maya.
Prior to declaring a barangay free from unlawful drug activities, the Oversight Committee chaired by PDEA needs to validate the non-availability of drug supply in the area and the absence of drug transit activity, clandestine drug laboratory and chemical warehouse, marijuana cultivation site, drug den, drug pusher and user.
Moreover, the parameters provided in the Barangay Drug Clearing Program require strict compliance as requisite of a drug-cleared status. These include activation of Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), implementation of community-based rehabilitation for drug surrenders, active involvement of barangay officials in anti-drug activities, active involvement of Sangguniang Kabataan to help maintain the drug-liberated status of the barangays, and existence of drug awareness, preventive education and information programs.
Present during the deliberation were PNP Daanbantayan police chief PCAPT Jan Christian Bautista, Poblacion Punong Barangay Melissa De Leon, and Poblacion Barangay Council.
