A town in Misamis Oriental and 13 other barangays in Northern Mindanao have been cleared of illegal drugs.

The Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) declared these areas drug-cleared during the deliberation on August 19, 2024.

These barangays include Maca-opao in Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Kahusayan and Panganan in Kitaotao, Bukidnon; Panalsalan in Maramag, Bukidnon; Marangeran and Magsaysay in Quezon, Bukidnon; Mailag and Colonia in Valenica City, Bukidnon; Bongbong, Cavinte, and Tabid in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental; Argayoso in Manticao, Misamis Oriental; and Mandulog, Iligan City.

The town of Lugait in Misamis Oriental was also declared drug-cleared.

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), the total number of drug-cleared barangays in the region is now 1,550, which represents 83.06 percent of the 1,866 drug-affected barangays. This means 316 barangays still have the presence of illegal drugs.

Up to 86 barangays cleared of illegal drugs previously have retained their status.

“This is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the PNP, other law enforcement agencies, local government units, and the community in our collective pursuit of a drug-free region. We will continue to work tirelessly until every barangay is free from illegal drugs,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Ricardo Layug Jr., said.