ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is calling for a more aggressive implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) in the city, as only 27 out of 98 barangays have been declared drug-free to date.
During the first quarter meeting of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) held at City Hall on Monday, PDEA Zamboanga City Officer Sharon Ominga emphasized the need for barangay officials and concerned agencies to undergo further orientation on BDCP. She noted that misunderstandings regarding BDCP mechanics have hindered the drug-clearing progress in the city.
To address this, Ominga suggested that PDEA and local police re-orient barangay officials on BDCP guidelines to accelerate the declaration of drug-cleared barangays. She also pointed out that a moratorium on BDCP due to the election period had contributed to the slow progress, though she clarified that the moratorium only applied to certain requirements, such as listing drug dependents, and not to the entire process.
Drug Affectation Status in Zamboanga City
PDEA’s latest report shows that out of the city’s 98 barangays:
- 1 barangay (Pangapuyan) remains drug-free or unaffected.
- 27 barangays have been declared drug-cleared.
- 70 barangays are still drug-affected, with 8 classified as severely affected, 59 as most affected, and 3 as slightly affected.
Efforts are underway to declare Victoria, Guisao, and La Paz as drug-cleared, while Pangapuyan is undergoing verification for the same classification.
Anti-Drug Operations and Confiscations
In 2024, PDEA conducted multiple operations, leading to the arrest of 1,888 individuals, including 29 high-value targets. The agency reported a 2,573% increase in the total volume of confiscated drugs over the past three years, with a total seizure of 59,189.39 grams in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) conducted 75 operations from January 1 to March 16, arresting 83 individuals and confiscating drugs worth P10.293 million, mostly shabu.
Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) Functionality
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Zamboanga City Office reported 11 non-functional Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) in:
- Baluno
- Bolong
- Camino Nuevo
- Guiwan
- Kasanyangan
- Landang Gua
- Pasobolong
- Pasonanca
- Sibualo
- Tetuan
- Vitali
Conversely, 59 barangays were recognized as highly functional BADACs, including Malagutay, Mangusu, Manicahan, Mercedes, Putik, Tumaga, and others. Under the city’s reward system, these highly functional BADACs are entitled to a P50,000 cash incentive, subject to fund availability.
PDEA and other stakeholders remain committed to intensifying the campaign against illegal drugs, reinforcing community participation, and ensuring that more barangays in Zamboanga City achieve a drug-free status.
