Only 20% of Davao City barangays considered ‘drug-free’

THE ILLEGAL drug problem continues to hound 80% of Davao City, hometown of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who has been pursuing a nationwide campaign against the menace. Azdhar A. Albani, regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, said last week that only about a fifth of the city’s 182 barangays are considered “drug-free.” He said law enforcers need to intensify operations, focusing on those behind the illegal trade. At the same time, Mr. Albani said the number of villages considered influenced by illegal drug activities “is constantly changing… because the mere presence of a user already means the barangay is affected.” He said the anti-drug campaign has been particularly challenging in the urban parts of the city. — Carmelito Q. Francisco