Western Visayas is nearing a major milestone in its anti-drug campaign, with 96.49% of barangays in the region now declared drug-cleared, based on a report by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 6 (PDEA-6).
Out of 3,389 barangays, 1,963 were previously drug-affected but have completed the Barangay Drug Clearing Program, while 1,307 have remained drug-free. Only 119 barangays, or 3.51%, still have reported illegal drug activities.
The provinces of Antique, Aklan, and Guimaras are now fully drug-cleared. Iloilo Province and Capiz follow closely, while Iloilo City trails behind with just 52.78% of barangays cleared, the lowest rate in the region.
While progress is notable, PDEA-6 continues to tighten monitoring efforts, especially along ports and coastal areas vulnerable to drug trafficking.
