ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug-Clearing (ROCBDC) declared one municipality and 19 barangays in Zamboanga del Norte as drug-cleared after a deliberation at the Plenary Hall, Convention Center in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte on Thursday, Dec. 15.
Jose Dalman became the first municipality in Zamboanga Peninsula officially declared as drug-cleared after a thorough validation and deliberation by the board.
Zamboanga del Norte barangays declared drug-cleared were Santa Isabel in Dipolog City; Alegria, Malinao, Mamawan, and Tamao in Baliguian; Canupong, San Juan, and Sibalic in Gutalac; Nanginan, New Tambo, and Singatong in Katipunan; Poblacion in La Libertad; Compra and Communal in Liloy; Disakan, San Antonio, and Upper Disakan in Manukan; and Culaguan and Dinolan in Sibuco.
The local government units passed several requirements to be included in the list, including proper validation, surveillance drug tests for randomly selected rehabilitated drug reformists, implementation of local laws on anti-drugs, and the establishment of a Bahay Silangan if applicable.
Emerson Margate, PDEA-9 director and chairperson of the ROCBDC, reiterated the commitment of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to continue the fight against illegal drugs.
The validation and deliberation of the regional committee is in line with their compliance with Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 4, Series of 2021.