BICOL — The Bicol Region in the Philippines has achieved a milestone in its campaign against illegal drugs.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol), nearly 2,300 villages across six provinces have been officially declared free from illegal drug activities. Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, the spokesperson for PRO-5, detailed the current status in a report, noting the comprehensive assessment and clearance process managed by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing. The clearance criteria enforced by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency are stringent, ensuring that a range of drug-related activities has ceased in these areas. Efforts by local police and PDEA will continue to address the remaining affected villages, with ongoing community engagement and monitoring to prevent the reemergence of drug-related issues in the region.