The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Bicol said it is closely monitoring 15 areas in the region, where illegal drugs—such as shabu and marijuana—from other localities are passing through.
But the situation remains “manageable,” according to PDEA regional director Edgar Jubay, citing the good results of their Barangay Drug Clearing Program.
“We are making some progress because that is our barometer. While we are reducing the drug-affected barangays, we are increasing the number of drug-cleared barangays,” Jubay said.
At the recently concluded first Regional Drug Summit, Jubay revealed that illegal substances brought to Bicol were traced from Metro Manila, Cordillera Administrative Region, Calabarzon, Zamboanga Peninsula and the provinces of Samar and Cebu.
PDEA Bicol identified the towns of Paracale, Jose Panganiban, and Daet in Camarines Norte as “bagsakan” or drop off points of prohibited drugs, along with Del Gallego in Camarines Sur.
Authorities reported that the cities of Naga and Legazpi were among the hotspots in the region. The provinces of Sorsogon and Catanduanes reportedly get their supply of illegal drugs from Naga City.
In Camarines Sur, the towns of Calabanga, Tigaon, Ocampo, Iriga, Nabua, and Camaligan have been identified as areas of concern.
Meanwhile, in Masbate, the port from the coastal town of Pasacao was reportedly being used as a transit point for the drugs en route to Burias Island.
Jubay said as of April 2024, 12.88 percent or 447 of 4,371 barangays are still affected by drugs. But he is optimistic that they can bring these figures down in two years.
Sorsogon and Catanduanes might be declared drug-free provinces soon.
Jubay is counting on the continuous support of local government units in the Barangay Drug Clearing Program of PDEA in the region.
He also acknowledged the establishment of Bahay Silangan Reformation Centers, which provides alternative intervention programs for drug pushers, as a crucial element in Bicol’s ongoing fight against illegal drugs.
