Biliran province declared drug-cleared

NAVAL, Biliran, May 11 -- The regional oversight committee on the barangay (village) drug-clearing program on Friday declared Biliran as a drug-cleared province, the fourth in the country and second in the Eastern Visayas region.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Director Edgar Jubay said the 132 villages in eight towns in the province have complied with the prerequisite for drug-clearing.

“We started the barangay drug-clearing in 2016. Biliran complied with all requirements and all activities are supported by documents,” Jubay told reporters after the declaration Friday noon.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Director Chief Supt. Gilberto Cruz said it is not difficult to clear Biliran of the drug menace, given the strong support of communities and local government units.

“Residents in Biliran province were not hesitant to reveal to authorities the names of people in their villages who were involved in illegal drugs,” Cruz said in a media interview.

“The challenge to us now is how to maintain the drug-cleared status. We need everyone’s help to sustain this gain.

This is not for us, but for the welfare of our children,” the regional police chief added.

Governor Gerardo Espina Jr. was elated to hear that Biliran is the fourth province to earn such status, although he was not 100-percent convinced that the province is completely free from the drug menace.

“Since we are a small island province, it is easier for authorities to eliminate drugs. We passed the criteria, but we cannot deny that there are still lawless elements here,” Espina told reporters.

Hundreds of local government officials witnessed the declaration at the capitol grounds as one of the highlights of Biliran’s founding anniversary.

Aside from Biliran, the national government earlier declared Batanes, Romblon, and Southern Leyte as drug-cleared provinces.

The declaration means that Biliran met all 14 parameters set by the Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation 3, Series of 2017, such as the non-availability of drug supply, absence of drug dens, pushers, and users; absence of clandestine drug laboratory; active involvement of barangay officials in anti-drug activities; existence of drug awareness, preventive education and information; and existence of voluntary and compulsory drug treatment and rehabilitation processing desk.

The declaration was the highlight of BIliran’s 26th founding anniversary as a province. It is one of the country's smallest provinces with a land area of 536 square km. and a population of 171,612 as of 2015.

Formerly a sub-province of Leyte, it became an independent province in 1992. (SQM/PNA)