Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines – June 21, 2024
The Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) has officially added 11 barangays in Zamboanga Sibugay province to the list of drug-cleared communities. This milestone was announced following a rigorous evaluation process by the committee during its session on Friday, June 21, in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The decision came after each barangay demonstrated full compliance with the committee’s strict requirements, showcasing efforts to sustain drug-free environments and implementing preventive measures. The ROCBDC, composed of representatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other stakeholders, conducted an in-depth assessment of each village’s anti-drug initiatives and verified the absence of illegal drug activity.
The declaration marks a significant victory for local officials and residents who have invested time and resources in drug prevention programs. The barangays achieved their drug-cleared status through the joint efforts of community leaders, law enforcement, and residents, who collaborated to keep their neighborhoods free from illegal drugs.
The 11 newly drug-cleared barangays will now work to sustain their status, with continued monitoring and support from ROCBDC to ensure long-term success. Officials have lauded this achievement as a key step in promoting safe, healthy communities throughout the province and have called on other barangays to strengthen their commitment to achieving similar goals.
The ROCBDC emphasized that the success of the anti-drug campaign relies not only on enforcement but also on community participation, urging residents to remain vigilant and proactive in supporting local efforts to prevent the resurgence of illegal drug activities.
