According to PDEA 11 Assistant Regional Director, the province is already
84.15 percent cleared from drugs.
“If we were able to clear this 84 percent, then we are more than enthusiastic that we can clear all of them although there are challenges when conducting drug-clearing operations,” Valmoria said.
The Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) had earlier approved the drug-cleared status of eight barangays in the province during their deliberation on February 22.
These barangays include Taguibo and Lawigan in Mati City; Limot and Lucatan in the municipality of Tarragona; Aliwagwag, Aragon, Maglahus and San Miguel in Cateel town.
The ROCBDC is composed of the PDEA as chair and representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Health (DOH) as members.
The PDEA said they are fast-tracking the drug-clearing operation in every barangay and focusing on surrenderers who need to undergo community-based rehabilitation and reformation programs.
She said they will now focus on the reintegration of personalities back to the society, instead of always conducting operations.
“It doesn’t mean that when you are involved in drugs, there is no longer hope for change,” Valmoria further said.