Lopez Jaena declared 1st drug-free town in MisOcc
LOPEZ JAENA, Misamis Occidental-The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) declared Lopez Jaena as the first drugfree municipality in the province, which pleased local officials, employees, and residents of the municipality.
It was proven that 100 percent of the 28 barangays were drugfree, and local officials have enforced strategies to prevent drug re-entry, inculcating awareness among residents through anti-drug awareness programs.
The declaration came after Lopez Jaena complied with all the requirements set forth by the Dangerous Drugs Board Resolution No.3, series of 2017 which include non-availability of drug supply; absence of drug dependent, pusher, user, absence of clandestine drug laboratory; active involvement of barangay officials in anti-drug activities; existence of drug awareness, preventive education and information; and existence of voluntary and compulsory drug treatment and rehabilitation processing desk.
Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office (PPO) acting provincial director Police Colonel Danilo Tumanda prides to present the numerous accomplishments on the campaign of illegal drugs in Misamis Occidental.
For 2018, MisOcc PPO together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in this province recorded a breaking illegal drug amounting to 5,224.61 drugs of shabu only.
For 2018, MisOcc PPO together with the PDEA in this province recorded a breaking amount of P5,224.61 only of seized shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride).
Tumanda said it will give a strong message that PDEA and
our government and other law enforcement agencies are very dedicated and strong in addressing the problem in our province.
PDEA Region 10 Director Wilkins Villanueva said the barangay clearing program gives us the total understanding of the drug problem in our community.
“You are now, upon the declaration, you will now enjoy a drug-free municipality but your fight, our fight is not yet over. Your fight has just started.”
He also said, “Maningkamot tang tanan para ma permanente kita na drug free.’’
(Let us all strive to keep the drug-free status)
Meanwhile, Mayor Michael Gutierez thanked barangay officials, members of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), and other stakeholders for their support to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
“I am very happy that PDEA declared our municipality as the first drug-cleared municipality in the province, and the 9th in Region 10. We could not have achieved this without you,” he told the barangay officials.
Gutierez said being declared a ‘drug-cleared’ municipality is a big challenge.
“We will not rest on our laurels. We will not stop, instead we will continue to monitor our municipality and strengthen our advocacy campaign against illegal drugs,” the mayor said.
He also said they will continue their unrelenting campaign against illegal drugs so that there will be no more victims and for them to have a peaceful and safe environment.
The municipality of Lopez Jaena has earned the distinction of being the 9th municipality to be declared cleared from illegal drugs in Northern Mindanao.