PDEA: 18 Ilocos towns cleared of illegal drugs

By Joyah Mae C. Quimoyog

GALIMUYOD, Ilocos Sur – Eighteen out of 32 towns and 391 out of 632 barangays in Ilocos Sur are “drug-cleared.”
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Ilocos Region bared this saying Galimuyod was the most recent town to be drug-cleared.

PDEA-Ilocos Sur chief Anabel Cabarles said all 24 barangays of Galimuyod, six of which are not affected by drugs passed parameters set under the national government’s drug-clearing program following assessments.

The official added the municipality passed criteria of Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing December last year and was declared drug-cleared on probationary status along with Barangays Langlangca 1st and Santo Tomas of Candon City. 

They were given 30 days to comply and provide lacking documents set under memorandum circular 2020-026 or Omnibus Procedures in Declaring a Drug-Affected Barangay as ‘Drug-Cleared’ under the Barangay Drug Clearing Program.

Galimuyod also established its “Balay Silangan” which serves as temporary shelters to drug offenders as they reform into becoming self-sufficient and law-abiding members of society.

Cabarles said they officially made the declaration in a ceremony led by PDEA RO I Assistant Regional Director Restie P. Lamorena, in behalf of PDEA Regional Director Bryan B. Babang, and Galimuyod Mayor Jessie B. Balingsat on Jan. 20. – PIA Ilocos Sur