At least 23 barangays in Northern Mindanao and Zamboanga City have been cleared of illegal drugs.

The Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing-Northern Mindanao (ROCBDC-10) has declared 19 barangays in Northern Mindanao drug-cleared.

These barangays are Salise, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; West Dalurog, Kitaotao, Bukidnon; Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon; Paitan, Lumintao, Sta. Cruz, Kipaypayon, and San Isidro in Quezon, Bukidnon; Cadulawan, Munai, Lanao del Norte; Capucao, Gotoan Diot, Gala, Litapan, Dimaluna, and Pantaon in Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental; Misom and Punta Miray in Baliangano, Misamis Occidental; Pedro Sa Baculio, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental; and Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro.

Out of 1,886 drug-affected barangays in the region, 1,520 barangays have been cleared while 346 remain affected.

“This accomplishment signifies the collaborative and concerted efforts of various units, agencies, and the community to rid our barangays of illegal drugs. Together, let us continue to strive toward a Drug-free Bagong Pilipinas,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director, Brigadier General Ricardo Layug Jr., said.

In Zamboanga City, four more barangays were also declared drug-cleared.

Barangays Dulian Upper Bunguiao, Latuan, Lubigan, and Sinubong have passed the evaluation of the members of the ROCBDC and were given certifications as drug-cleared barangays.

Authorities said the 19 barangays previously declared as drug-cleared have retained their status.