Cotabato City — September 9, 2025 — In a major boost to the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) has formally declared 29 drug-cleared and 17 drug-free barangays in Sulu province during its committee meeting held at Sumadjah Hall, Bangkal, Patikul.
The recognition was conferred on the local government units (LGUs) of Maimbung, Talipao, Patikul, Hadji Panglima Tahil, Siasi, and Parang, which received Certificates of Drug-Cleared Barangays after successfully meeting the parameters under the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP).
The committee meeting, conducted both onsite and via Zoom, was presided over by ROCBDC Chairman Director Gil Cesario P. Castro. He was joined by Director George Paul P. Alcovindas, as well as representatives from key member-agencies, including Atty. Marvin D. Mokamad, IAS Director of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), LGOO VII Nermida Muksan, PCOL Armando Muena of PNP PROBAR, PLTCOL Melbeth C. Mondaya, Dr. Norman Prince Datumanong and Mr. Ali Jubran Lauban of the Ministry of Health (MOH-BARMM), and officials from the Sulu Provincial Government.
Also in attendance were local chief executives, chiefs of police, municipal local government operations officers, municipal health officers, and punong barangays of the applicant LGUs—underscoring a strong multi-sectoral commitment to sustain a drug-free and peaceful Sulu.
Authorities hailed the achievement as a significant milestone, noting that the continued collaboration between government agencies, LGUs, and communities is crucial in sustaining the momentum of the nationwide campaign against illegal drugs.