The towns of Antipas in Cotabato and Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte have been cleared of illegal drugs.

The municipality of Antipas is the first town in SOCCSKSARGEN region to be declared drug-cleared by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

According to the provincial government of Cotabato, the declaration was a result of combined efforts of the local government, law enforcement agencies, and the community.

The provincial government added that the comprehensive strategies in place to put an end to the illegal drug menace will continue to achieve a drug-free province.

Meanwhile, the town of Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte has also been declared drug-cleared by the ROCBDC-BARMM on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-BARMM said the municipality of Datu Blah Sinsuat has met the parameters set by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and presented its best practices, innovations, sustainability, and reintegration programs for persons who used drugs (PWUDs).

PDEA-BARMM Director, Gil Cesario Castro, said ‘the success of Datu Blah Sinsuat in the war against illegal drugs serves as a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of the LGU and other BDCP duty-bearers through collective action.’