After the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) earlier confirmed the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) had re-declared all 61 barangays in the city as drug-affected, the Bacolod City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) recently called for a “drug-cleared” declaration for the city.

“Try to see to it that we get the barangays declared drug-free,” stated Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who chairs the council.

According to BCPO spokesperson, Police Major Ariel Pico, new PDEA parameters prompted the declaration as barangays designated as either slightly or moderately drug-affected are required to have a “Balay Silangan” reformation center, which are government-run shelters for drug offenders.

Bacolod City is currently planning a re-bidding for a P30 million rehabilitation center, along with a P5 Balay Silangan facility./WDJ