The Philippine National Police in the Island Garden City of Samal (PNP-Igacos) has announced that the island is on the verge of being declared entirely drug-free, with only three barangays remaining on the list of areas pending clearance.
Focus on Final Three Barangays
According to PLt. Col. Hamlet Montejo Lerios, chief of PNP-Igacos, the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Cadac) identified Barangays Peñaplata, Miranda, and Tambo as the remaining areas not yet declared free from illegal drugs. Lerios stated that authorities are intensifying their operations and have sought the support of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to strengthen the final push of the campaign.
He emphasized that while the volume of drugs recovered on the island is minimal, the commitment to eradicate the problem remains steadfast. "We can really say that there are some people who use (drugs), but it’s very minimal. Drugs here in Samal are limited, so it’s only right that we clear the name of Samal," Lerios said in a statement on January 7, 2026.
External Sources and Community Rehabilitation
Lerios explained that most drug cases in Samal involve individuals from outside the island, noting that the substances themselves do not originate locally. He has formally requested PDEA to assist in clearing the entire island's name.
The police official also highlighted that there have been no recorded drug-related crimes in the city. He cited past incidents, including the Babak case where a couple was killed, where subsequent drug tests on involved individuals yielded negative results.
For those listed as former drug users, PNP-Igacos mandates participation in the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program. Upon completion, with support from Cadac, PDEA, and the PNP, these individuals are expected to remain drug-free, contributing to the sustainability of drug-cleared communities.
Investment in Reformation: Balay Silangan
Supporting the anti-drug framework is the local government's investment in reformation. Igacos launched the first drug reformation center in Davao del Norte, called Balay Silangan, on March 1, 2019. It stands as the second such center in the entire Davao Region.
The local government unit (LGU) demonstrated its commitment by allocating substantial funds for the project:
- ₱2.5 million for the construction of the center.
- ₱500,000 for facilities.
- Another ₱500,000 for its operational expenses.
This comprehensive approach, combining law enforcement, rehabilitation, and institutional support, underscores Samal's determined march toward becoming a model drug-free community in the region.
