CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Some 14 villages in this capital city were declared drug-cleared by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently.
The 14 villages, which represent less than half of the total 35 villages in the city, were San Felipe, Juliana, Sto. Rosario, Del Carmen, Magliman, San Isidro, Sindalan, Dela Paz Sur, Bulaon, Baliti, Malino, Saguin, Pulungbulu, and Panipuan.
The said villages religiously complied with the requirements of the PNP Illegal Drugs Campaign Plan Project Double-Barrel to eradicate the drug menace in communities before they were declared drug-cleared.
Local officials also successfully accounted the drug users and pushers who voluntarily surrendered to them and ensured that they already disengaged themselves from the use and selling of dangerous drugs.
Mayor Edwin Santiago is uncertain that the remaining 21 villages will be cleared before year-end which is the initial deadline of President Rodrigo Duterte.
He stressed that the City of San Fernando is very extensive in terms of demographics and land area and is considered the gateway to the north and taking control of illegal activities is a challenge.
"Compared sa ibang munisipyo, kakaiba ang San Fernando (San Fernando is different from other municipalities). Mahirap kontrolin ang mga pumapasok at lumalabas (It is hard to control who goes in and out) but the fact na almost half ay nakapag-clear na, ibig sabihin kaya natin, (half is cleared means we can do it)" he said.
He also lauded the efforts of the police who continuously implemented the law to ensure peace and order in the city even at the stake of their own lives.
He also recognized the cooperation of village officials including chairmen and councilors who have worked double time to achieve their common goal.
"Collective effort ito, hindi lang ang mayor o ang City Hall. Ang kapulisan natin ang prime mover dito at 'yung suporta ng barangay level siyempre," he stressed.
Santiago said that he will be pushing the remaining villages to comply with the requirements of PDEA and PNP and participate in making the city drug-free.