THE number of drug-cleared barangays in Negros Occidental has now surpassed 200.

Provincial Board Member Juvy Pepello, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay-Negros Occidental Chapter, said the number is based on the data given to her by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Pepello said of the 601 barangays, 176 have already been officially declared as "drug-cleared," while 31 barangays are now undergoing deliberation and the decision should be released prior to the end of the year.

Pepello said 207 barangays will be drug-free by 2021.

Despite the comprehensive work of the provincial government, Pepello said some of the province's residents have second thoughts on helping them due to fears that they could get their lives or the lives of their families in danger.