Archival: Vigilance key to peace, safety

CEBU, Philippines — Central Visayas is showing progress in its campaign against illegal drugs and other peace and order challenges, but Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-7 emphasized that sustaining these gains requires vigilance, rehabilitation, and community participation.

At the third quarter RPOC-7 meeting earlier this week at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Archival stressed the collective role of government and citizens.

 “Peace and order is a shared responsibility. Padayon ta sa close coordination with our law enforcement agencies and partner institutions to keep our communities safe and responsive to emerging concerns,” he said.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas reported that drug affectedness has dropped from 96.14% or 2,312 barangays in 2017 to 27.51% or 636 barangays in 2026.

A total of 1,676 barangays have now been declared drug-cleared and drug-free.

Cebu City has reduced its drug-affected barangays to 39, while Bohol still has 344, Cebu Province 240, Lapu-Lapu City 10, and Mandaue City, 3.

Archival acknowledged the gains but reminded residents that enforcement alone is not enough.

“The fight against illegal drugs is not only about enforcement but also about prevention and rehabilitation,” he added.

He pointed to the Balay Silangan Reformation Program, which has produced 276 graduates, with 105 reformists still undergoing rehabilitation.

On broader threats, the council tackled cybercrime, counter-terrorism, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

BFAR-7 reported enforcement operations that led to apprehensions for fisheries law violations, including the confiscation of endangered species at the Carbon Market in Cebu City.

Police data showed a 12.86% decline in major crimes in the second quarter of 2026, attributed to intensified operations against drugs, loose firearms, and organized crime.

To encourage local governments to sustain their efforts, RPOC-7 approved ?1.3 million in incentives for Outstanding Local Peace and Order Councils, part of a ?6.5-million fund allocation for peacebuilding, disaster resilience, and council administration.

In ending, Archival appeals to fellow Cebuanos to stay vigilant and cooperative.

“Stay informed, follow official advisories, and report suspicious or unlawful activities through proper channels. Ang kalinaw ug seguridad responsibilidad natong tanan,” he said. (CEBU NEWS)