856 out of 1,162 villages in Davao Region declared drug cleared

Based on the latest data released by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 on Wednesday, there are still 306 barangays in Region 11, which  have yet to be cleared of illegal drugs.

PDEA 11 regional director Aileen Lovitos told the members of the media during AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing Wednesday (June 22) at The Royal Mandaya Hotel that before declaring  a barangay is free from illegal drug activities, the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs must validate the non-availability of drug supply, the absence of drug transit activity, clandestine drug laboratory and chemical warehouse, marijuana cultivation site, drug den, drug pushers and users in the area.

According to her, since she assumed her post as PDEA 11 director in 2021, they were able to arrest 92 persons involved in illegal drugs.

They also launched 26 high-impact illegal drug operators during same period.

PDEA 11 also conducted 3,297 anti-illegal drugs lectures in the Davao Region.

Lovitos said from January to May this year, the agency seized a total of P19,725, 463.01 worth of illegal drugs. 

These accomplishments, according to Lovitos made them the best regional office out of 17 regional offices of PDEA for its exemplary performance in 2021.

Lovitos also was hailed as Best Regional Director for her excellent leadership both operational and administrative concern. 

She received both awards  on June 7 at Seda Vertis North, Quezon City during the PDEA’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.

She said the recognition will surely boost the morale of PDEA Regional Office 11 personnel as it excels in its performance in pursuing its mandate as the lead agency of the government in the fight against illegal drugs. 

Lovitos thanked the Local Government Units of Davao Region, Police, other law enforcement agencies, partner government and private agencies, media, and the community for their untiring support in the war against illegal drugs in the region. 

She vowed to further strengthen and pursue a massive campaign against illegal drugs in the incoming administration.