THE Municipality of Arayat has been added to the list of towns that successfully eradicated the presence of illegal drugs in its community.

On Tuesday, December 17, Lyndon Aspacio, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Central Luzon director and regional oversight committee chairman, officially declared drug free the municipality in a simple ceremony held at the Municipal Multi-purpose Hall.

This came after all the 30 villages here successfully complied with the requirements set forth by the Barangay Drug-Clearing Oversight Committee, and the parameters identified by the Dangerous Drugs Board.

In his speech, chief of police Lieutenant Colonel Dale Soliba said the achievement is a fruit of the collaborative effort executed by the police force, local government and barangay, and the support of the residents.

He added that since the launching of the intensified campaign against illegal drugs, the municipality was able to arrest, neutralize or rehabilitate the more than 800 identified drug personalities in town.

He, however, said the conferment of drug-cleared status is only the start of the bigger challenge for the municipality.

“Although we already reached the drug-cleared status, we still have so much to do. We must remain united to ensure that we can maintain our status and prevent the entry of illegal drugs in our community,” he said.

Mayor Emmanuel “Bon” Alejandrino enjoined local officials and residents to continue standing together against illegal drugs for the benefit of the youth and future generation.

“We are already in the right place, let’s just continue moving forward and let our families, especially our children, enjoy a more peaceful and safe environment, away from the danger of illegal drugs,” he said.