52 barangays in Aklan ‘drug-free’

At least 52 barangays have been cleared of drugs out of 214 drug-affected barangays in the province of Aklan.

This was disclosed by Chief Inspector Bernard Ufano, chief of Provincial Intelligence Branch of Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO), following intensified barangay drugs operations.

Out of 327 barangays, the drug affectation in Aklan dropped to 162 barangays or 49.54 percent from a high of 65 percent.

There are still a number of barangays that are slightly affected by drugs and awaiting the validation reports by Barangay Anti-Illegal Drugs Council (BADAC).

There were 97 drug-infested barangays in Aklan based on June 30, 2016 data before ‘Oplan Tokhang’ was launched by the Philippine National Police and the Duterte administration.

In less than five months of Project Double Barrel, almost 1,900 drug users and pushers in 214 barangays voluntarily surrendered to authorities. A drug suspect was also killed on November 9 in Argao, Malay, Aklan and other suspect sustained injuries on October 4 in Boracay Island after the police buy-bust operations. 

Ufano said community-based rehabilitation programs which are supported by stakeholders, local government units and the private sector are also underway.

Drug dependents are assessed by their Municipal Health Office and identified as seriously, moderately or slightly affected by drugs before they undergo alternative rehabilitation programs.  

In New Washington town, the initial batch drug surrenderees are trained for livelihood programs to enable them to start a new life. 

Ufano said the provincial government is also keen on establishing a rehabilitation center in Madalag, Aklan for those needing in-patient rehabilitation and recovery.

By end of December, the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) will assess the accomplishments of APPO and the municipal police stations in the ongoing anti-drug efforts.

Last week, Muslim leaders in Western Visayas also supported the crackdown campaign against illegal drugs and criminality in a covenant signing in Camp Jizmundo in Banga, Aklan along with the 12^thInfantry Battalion and 3^rd Infantry Division. 

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL