The San Carlos City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (SCCADAC) in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental conducted Oplan Toktok Hangyo (Tokhang) and Tapok Hangyo (Taphang) in the city’s Barangay 4 where suspected persons who use prohibited drugs (PWUDs) were profiled and drug tested including barangay officials, employees and tanods yesterday morning.

Ana Liza Macaraya, legal assistant of the City Legal Office and SCCADAC Secretariat, said that these activities are in preparation for the application of Barangay 4 to be declared as a drug-free.

Macaraya added that there are only three verified Brgy. 4 residents out of 19 personalities in the final drug watch list of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Department of Interior and Local Government Officer Danille Marie Osorio said the deliberation of the PDEA is on November and Brgy. 4 could be the city’s first barangay to be declared drug-cleared this year.

City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Officer Cynthia Mirande, for her part, urged PWUDs to be serious in attending the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program.

She is expecting a 100% attendance since the program is already shortened for 10 days from the usual 90-day program.

Meanwhile, at least 31 barangay officials and staff underwent a surprise drug test facilitated by the City Health Office together with the PWUDs who were also profiled by the CSWD and the San Carlos City police./WDJ