Over 27,500 Barangays Declared Drug-Free Across Philippines Under The Marcos Administration 

By Edward Era Barbacena 

Source: BNN

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has revealed that a significant decline has been observed in the number of barangays affected by illegal drugs across the country. According to recently released data, only about 19 percent of barangays remain entangled in drug-related issues.

As of July 31, the statistics indicate that out of the 42,027 barangays nationwide, 7,976 of them, or 18.97 percent, continue to grapple with illegal drug concerns. This demonstrates a noteworthy reduction from the figures recorded earlier this year. In May, around 8,288 barangays were confronted with issues linked to illegal drugs, indicating that approximately 312 barangays have successfully transitioned to being drug-free within a span of just two months.

A considerable proportion of barangays, specifically 27,553, have been declared free from the grip of illegal drugs. This achievement underscores the concerted efforts and various initiatives aimed at cleansing local communities of this challenge.

PDEA’s Determination Yields Results

The intensified efforts to address the illegal drug situation have translated into concrete outcomes. Since President Marcos assumed office on July 1, 2022, PDEA reported that a total of 57,474 drug suspects have been apprehended in 41,587 law enforcement operations. This includes a substantial number of 3,790 “high-value” drug targets.

Upholding Safety

The data underscores the ongoing commitment of the Philippine government to combat the illicit drug trade. The concerted drive to clear barangays of the drug menace aligns with the administration’s mission to ensure the safety of its citizens. By significantly reducing the number of affected barangays and apprehending drug suspects, the nation is moving forward in its pursuit of a drug-free environment