3 Taguig barangays declared drug-free

MANILA, Philippines — Three more communities in Taguig City have been declared cleared of illegal drugs, according to the local government.

City hall said Barangays Calzada-Tipas, South Daang Hari and Central Signal received their respective certificates of being drug-free on Thursday.

This brought to six the number of drug-cleared barangays in the city.

In 2019, Barangay San Miguel was the first community declared as drug-free.

In May last year, Barangays Katuparan and Bambang were also cleared of illegal drugs.

A drug-free status is given to barangays previously considered as drug-affected due to the presence of users, traffickers as well as the presence of drug dens.

“Taguig is committed to continuing its efforts in eliminating illegal drugs and hopes to achieve a drug-free city through the implementation of effective strategies and programs,” the local government said.

Last week, an alleged high-value drug suspect was apprehended when police raided his house along P. Mariano street in Barangay Ususan.

Bernardo Tinga, 56, reportedly yielded around 14 grams of shabu valued at P95,200, a .45-caliber handgun and ammunition, according to Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft.

Charges of possession of drugs and illegal possession of a firearm are being readied against the suspect.

The raid was launched by members of the Taguig police substation 4 based on a search warrant issued by Judge Byron San Pedro.

“Taguig has a strong stance against drugs. In fact, Mayor Lani Cayetano has a marching order to rid the city of these illegal substances. We assure the public that the local police will not rest until we achieve this goal,” city police chief Col. Robert Baesa said in a statement.

Taguig police had been credited for the arrest of prominent members of the Tiñga drug ring and other high-value suspects. – Emmanuel Tupas