By Xander Ledesma
Barangay Babag has officially been declared drug-free, becoming one of the latest communities in Cebu City to achieve this status in line with the government’s ongoing efforts to combat drug-related issues. The declaration was made on Thursday, November 21, 2024, following an assessment by the Regional Oversight Committee for Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC). The announcement took place after an extensive review by officials from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), Cebu City Local Government Unit (LGU), and the Cebu City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC).
Barangay Babag’s achievement reflects a significant milestone in the city’s anti-drug efforts. Since the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, which began in 2016, various local government units across the country have been striving to reduce the presence of illegal drugs within their communities. As part of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program, barangays are required to meet specific criteria, including a reduction in drug-related incidents, active participation of law enforcement, and the establishment of rehabilitation programs.
Barangay Babag, located in the northern part of Cebu City, has been working for several years on drug eradication efforts. The success in reaching drug-cleared status is attributed to the combined efforts of barangay officials, local law enforcement, and residents. Under the leadership of Barangay Captain Dolorito, the local government and barangay officials have implemented various community-based programs aimed at raising awareness, preventing substance abuse, and rehabilitating drug users.
Local police, in coordination with PDEA, have regularly conducted operations targeting illegal drug trafficking and use within the area. These operations have been key in ensuring that drug trade activities were suppressed in the community. Additionally, residents played a vital role in supporting the initiative by participating in educational campaigns and rehabilitation programs.
Achieving drug-cleared status involves meeting several criteria outlined by ROCBDC, including the completion of drug-free community campaigns, a significant drop in drug-related crimes, and continuous efforts from local government and community members to maintain a drug-free environment. Barangay Babag’s compliance with these standards made it eligible for the drug-free declaration.
The declaration of Barangay Babag as a drug-free community is part of a larger nationwide initiative by the government to build drug-free barangays. This program aims to reduce the widespread drug problem in the Philippines, which has been a significant concern for many years. The country’s drug crisis has long been a challenge, with illegal drug use affecting communities across the archipelago.