In a bold move against narcotics, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has successfully kept the illegal drug situation in Western Visayas under control. Despite the ongoing battle against drugs, PDEA Region 6’s information officer, Graciella Tanaleon, confidently stated in a recent interview that the region’s drug problem remains manageable. This assurance comes amidst continuous efforts to dismantle drug dens and arrest key figures in the drug trade.
From January to February 22, 2025, PDEA’s relentless operations led to the dismantling of eight drug dens across the region, including three in Iloilo City, two in Capiz province, and one each in Iloilo province, Bacolod City, and Antique province. These actions highlight the agency’s effectiveness in monitoring and tackling drug-related activities, rather than an increase in such incidents.
Tanaleon emphasized the proactive stance of law enforcement, stating, “Authorities are diligently tracking and neutralizing drug-related activities, ensuring that Region 6 remains under control.” The agency’s approach includes sustained operations, intelligence gathering, and a strong focus on community engagement and preventive education.
Under the Barangay Drug Clearing Program, significant progress has been made, with 3,787 barangays deliberated, over 2,400 cleared, and more than 1,300 declared drug-free. Only 264 barangays await evaluation by the Regional Oversight Committee, representing just 6.52% of the total deliberated barangays.
The PDEA also keeps a close watch on the status of cleared barangays, with Tanaleon noting that the drug-cleared or drug-free status is not permanent and requires validation every six months. This vigilance extends to potentially revoking the clearance of barangays that fail to update their status, a measure also applied in other regions.