MALASIQUI: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Pangasinan is stepping up its efforts to attain a full drug-free status for the province through community drug symposiums and promoting drug-free workplaces. This initiative is part of a broader campaign to combat illegal drug activities in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, as of December 29, 1,157 out of 1,272 drug-affected villages in Pangasinan, accounting for 92 percent, have achieved a drug-cleared status. However, Camacho clarified that this status does not signify the total eradication of illegal drugs. Continuous efforts by law enforcement and local government units (LGUs) are necessary to maintain this status.
Under PDEA guidelines, a barangay can only be declared free from illegal drug activities after thorough validation. This includes ensuring the non-availability of drug supply, absence of drug transit activity, clandestine drug laboratories, marijuana cultivation sites, drug dens, and the presence of drug pushers and users. Camacho also noted that this status could be revoked if a village fails to address reported drug-related activities.
The regional office requires barangays or LGUs to respond or take action within 30 days upon receiving a memo about drug-related issues. This may involve interventions such as rehabilitation or legal actions against identified drug personalities.
In 2022, PDEA Pangasinan conducted seven high-impact operations, resulting in the confiscation of PHP3.6 million worth of illegal drugs (shabu and marijuana) and the arrest of 54 high-value targets. Currently, 30 out of 43 drug-affected municipalities and one out of four drug-affected cities in the province have achieved a drug-cleared status.
Camacho emphasized the ongoing need for demand reduction and law enforcement activities. The villages still not drug-cleared are those with drug personalities who have not surrendered or were identified since 2016. Appropriate interventions, including rehabilitation or arrest, are crucial for these cases.
Pangasinan recently inaugurated its first provincial reformation facility in Burgos town on December 7. This facility, part of the Balay Silangan community program, is expected to significantly aid municipalities without such facilities and are still grappling with drug issues. Eight municipalities have signed a memorandum of agreement with the provincial government for the use of this reformation facility.
The Balay Silangan program, launched in 2018, aims to reform drug offenders into self-sufficient and law-abiding citizens. This reformatory program serves as an alternative intervention for drug personalities who are not users and are ineligible for medical treatment in Department of Health-supervised facilities.