By Matthew Go
Puerto Princesa’s City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) reported that 11 of its 66 barangays are drug-free, while 55 have achieved drug-cleared status. This classification follows rigorous validation by the Regional Oversight Clearing Body, which includes the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“As of today, 11 barangays remain drug-free, and 55 are drug-cleared,” said Rowena Molina, CADAC spokesperson, in a media briefing on December 19.
The Balay-Silangan Reformation Center continues to play a key role in the city’s anti-drug efforts. Molina highlighted that 32 individuals graduated this year after completing rehabilitation and passing random drug tests.
Puerto Princesa received a 97% rating from PDEA-MIMAROPA and was recognized as the Highly Functional Anti-Drug Abuse Council for 2024. The city was also honored for its leadership at the 7th National Conference of Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) on October 24.
While the city has made significant strides, Molina noted that drug-related arrests persist due to the transient nature of certain populations and ongoing intelligence operations.
Molina also revealed CADAC’s plans to apply for city-wide drug-cleared status once PDEA’s moratorium, imposed due to the upcoming elections, is lifted.
“Once the moratorium is lifted, we are ready to apply for drug-cleared city status,” she said.
Continuous monitoring and collaboration between local officials, PDEA, PNP, and other stakeholders will be critical in maintaining the city’s anti-drug success, Molina stressed.