C. Visayas No. 3 with Most Number of Drug-Infested Barangays

Central Visayas came up third in the list of regions in the country with the most number of barangays heavily affected by illegal drugs.

This was confirmed by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Central Visayas (PDEA-7) Director Emerson Margate on Thursday.

Margate said that according to the list furnished by the PDEA Central Office, the National Capital Region is on top, followed by Region 9 or the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Central Visayas has 3,003 barangays and 2,229 of these are drug-affected, which is why the PDEA-7 is intensifying its operations, Margate said.

The PDEA-7 director said they are now doing every possible means to rid the region of the drug menace and asked the public to give them enough time to complete their mission, considering that they have to cover 800 barangays per year until the term of President Rodrigo Duterte ends in 2022.

Aside from their aggressive operations in apprehending suspected drug traffickers, pushers, and users, Margate said they are also intensifying their proactive approaches and demand-reduction campaigns by conducting information drives and meetings or “pulong-pulong” in the barangays.

Despite the shortage in manpower, Margate said they have been able to apprehend several drug pushers. In fact, the PDEA-7 seized a total of PHP8 million worth of drugs last month, he added.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Sr. Supt. Joel Doria said this is also a big challenge for the CCPO even as the different police stations, the Drug Enforcement Unit, and the City Intelligence Branch have been making arrests every day with no let up.

Police Regional Office-7 or PRO-7 (Central Visayas) Director Robert Quenery, for his part, said the drug problem in the region has really been a huge challenge in his leadership.

Based on the feedback of his intelligence personnel, Quenery said they have already identified all the drug dealers in Central Visayas and they would likewise intensify Oplan/Tokhang. (PNA)