Fifty-seven fishermen, who surrendered several sacks of shabu found floating off the waters of Bataan and Pangasinan last month, are residents of barangays officially declared drug-free, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The fishermen hail from villages in Mariveles, Bataan, and Bolinao, Pangasinan—both certified as drug-cleared by the regional oversight committee on barangay drug clearing, chaired by the PDEA.
PDEA reported that the two municipalities had fully complied with the criteria under the barangay drug clearing program.
The surrendered shabu, with an estimated street value of P6.5 billion, earned the fishermen commendation and incentives from the agency.
PDEA Chief Isagani Nerez praised the local governments of Mariveles and Bolinao for their consistent implementation of anti-drug initiatives.
He emphasized that the fishermen’s honesty and the community’s vigilance reflect the success of the barangay drug clearing efforts.
“Residents of drug-free barangays have embraced the culture of cooperation and participation against illegal drug activities,” Nerez said.
