By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) yesterday confirmed the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) re-declared all 61 barangays in the city as drug-affected.

BCPO spokesperson, Police Major Ariel Pico, said new PDEA parameters prompted the most recent declaration as barangays designated either slightly or moderately drug-affected are required to have a “Bahay Silangan” reformation center.

The BCPO official explained “slightly” affected means there is a presence of drug users in the area, while “moderate” means there is a presence of users and pushers.

“Massively” affected, meanwhile, means there is a presence of a shabu laboratory in the area, although, Pico pointed out, they have not discovered any such laboratories in the city.

The BCPO spokesperson said five barangays recently applied for “drug-free” status, but they were denied by PDEA due to the lack of a “Bahay Silangan” facility.

He added, on Friday, March 15, the city government will convene the City Anti-illegal Drugs Abuse Council to discuss implementing a wellness program, rehabilitation, and the establishment of a “Bahay Silangan” in the city./DGB, WDJ