PNP: Over 74% of barangays declared drug-free

More than 74% of the barangays across the country have been declared as “drug-free,” Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said on Monday.

“As of November 15 po, nasa around 74.23% na po 'yung na-clear nating barangay (we cleared around 74.24% of the barangays),” Fajardo said at a televised public briefing.

From July 1 to November 15, the police official said 403 more barangays have been declared drug-free as authorities conducted thousands of anti-illegal drug operations.

On Saturday, the national government officially launched its anti-illegal drugs advocacy program dubbed as Buhay Ay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA), described as an intensified and more holistic campaign.

Fajardo said they are expecting that more barangays will be cleared from illegal drugs with the implementation of the BIDA program.

So far, Fajardo said around 1.2 million people who were involved in illegal drugs have surrendered to authorities.

Some of them have already completed their PNP-initiated recovery and wellness program and other community-based programs.—AOL, GMA Integrated News