Dinagat, Agusan Sur towns now drug-free

BUTUAN CITY  , Philippines  —  At least 108 barangays in five towns in Caraga have been cleared of illegal drugs.

Veruela, Sta. Josefa, Loreto and Rosario towns in Agusan del Sur and Loreto on Dinagat islands were declared drug-free by the regional drug-clearing program oversight committee during a meeting on Friday.

The committee said the barangays passed the quarterly validation under a Dangerous Drugs Board resolution.

A total of 791 barangays or 60 percent of the total 1,311 in Caraga have been declared drug-free.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said drug-free certifications could be nullified if barangays fail to comply with the requirements.

Among the requirements are the creation of a Barangay Anti-Illegal Drugs Committee, holding of regular BADAC meetings and sustained anti-illegal drugs activities.