Mandaue City has three barangays left to complete the requirements for drug-clearing, bringing the city closer to seeking a drug-cleared designation for all 27 barangays.
The remaining barangays are Jagobiao, Tipolo and Centro, according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Office (SAMHSO) head Niño Krisbayani Dargantes.
Dargantes said Jagobiao is already under deliberation, while the city continues to complete the documentary requirements for Tipolo and Centro.
The recent declaration of Barangay Looc as drug-cleared raised the number of Mandaue barangays that have completed the process to 24.
The city could apply for drug-cleared city status once all 27 barangays satisfy the requirements.
Dargantes said most of the remaining requirements involve documents, including verification and supporting certificates that authorities must submit and complete.
The city also conducts house-to-house visits to verify the status of people previously identified on drug-related watchlists.
Dargantes clarified that a drug-cleared designation does not mean a barangay has completely eliminated illegal drugs.
Instead, the process focuses on addressing people identified on Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) watchlists through rehabilitation, intervention or other appropriate measures.
The watchlist used in the process dates back to 2016. Dargantes said some people on the list may have died, moved to another area or otherwise left the community.
He urged residents to report suspected illegal drug activity to the PDEA or PNP so authorities can verify the reports and take appropriate action.
Barangays that previously secured drug-cleared status must also undergo an annual retention program.
Dargantes said 10 Mandaue barangays have already retained their status, with authorities yet to revoke any previous drug-cleared declaration.
The city also monitors recovering drug dependents through barangay Warriors Associations and regular drug testing.
Authorities refer individuals who test positive back to intervention programs.
Dargantes said Mandaue currently records a low relapse rate but emphasized the recurring nature of addiction and the importance of mental health support in helping prevent relapse.
The city aims to complete the remaining requirements for Jagobiao, Tipolo and Centro within the year as it works toward applying for drug-cleared city status.
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