Pangasinan, Philippines - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency's (PDEA) regional committee has officially declared the municipalities of Agno and Bautista in Pangasinan as drug-cleared. This significant achievement leaves only 12 of the province's 48 municipalities and cities yet to be cleared.
According to Philippines News Agency, the declaration was made after thorough deliberations held in Tubao, La Union. The two towns met the requirements for being cleared of illegal drug activities and personalities. In addition, eight villages from San Carlos City, San Quintin, and Manaoag towns were also declared drug-cleared by the PDEA regional committee. Camacho stated that there are now 1,160 cleared villages out of the 1,272 drug-affected villages in Pangasinan. He emphasized the supportive role of local government units (LGUs) in this endeavor and assured continuous monitoring in the drug-cleared localities. Furthermore, the 10th Balay Silangan reformation center was opened in Alaminos City to support the region's fight against illegal drugs. This center, along with others in various towns and cities, forms part of the collaborative effort between LGUs and PDEA to accommodate surrenderers and aid in drug-clearing localities.