Mandaue nears ‘drug-cleared’ status

CEBU, Philippines — Mandaue City is now three barangays away from completing the requirements to apply for drug-cleared city status following the declaration of Barangay Looc as drug-cleared.

‎Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Office (SAMHSO) head Niño Krisbayani Dargantes said only barangays Jagobiao, Tipolo, and Centro remain to complete the city’s barangay-level drug-clearing process.

‎Looc is the 24th barangay in Mandaue to be declared drug-cleared, Dargantes said.

‎“Documentation na lang gyud,” he said, noting that some of the remaining requirements involve minor documentary details.

‎He said Jagobiao is currently under deliberation, while the city continues to work on the requirements for Tipolo and Centro.

‎Dargantes said the city is hoping to complete the process within the year, in line with the goal of Mayor Thadeo Ouano and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) to have Mandaue declared a drug-cleared city.

However, Dargantes clarified that being declared drug-cleared does not mean that no illegal drugs are present in a barangay.

‎He explained that the drug-clearing process is based on the list of drug personalities maintained by the PDEA and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Individuals on the list undergo rehabilitation or other interventions, and barangays undergo verification before being declared drug-cleared.

‎Dargantes said the list being used dates back to 2016, which contributes to the length of the process because some individuals on the list may have died, moved away, or are no longer in the area.

He encouraged residents to report suspected illegal drug activities directly to the PDEA or PNP so authorities can verify the information and take appropriate action.

‎“Once nga ma-verify nila, they will take action,” Dargantes said.

‎He also said barangays that have already been declared drug-cleared undergo an annual retention program to maintain their status.

‎Meanwhile, Dargantes noted that none of the city’s previously declared barangays has had its status revoked.

‎Among the measures being implemented to maintain their status are activities by barangay Warriors Associations and regular drug testing of former drug dependents.

‎Dargantes said individuals who test positive are referred back for intervention.

‎He also emphasized the importance of mental health support in preventing relapse among recovering drug dependents.

‎He said addiction can be a recurring problem, with the urge to use drugs potentially returning even after rehabilitation.

According to Dargantes, mental health concerns and the lack of someone to turn to during difficult situations may contribute to a person returning to drug use.

The SAMHSO head likewise said Mandaue currently has a low relapse rate, with interventions provided when necessary.

‎Once the remaining three barangays complete the requirements, Mandaue City can apply for city-level drug-cleared status. – MRM (CEBU NEWS)