March 28, 2024

Only five barangays out of 140 barangays in Benguet are drug-affected according to the Benguet Police Provincial Office.

These barangays are Balili and Pico in La Trinidad, Badeo and Tacadang in Kibungan, and Abatan in Buguias.

These barangays are moderately affected said BPPO Director Col. Elmer Ragay.

Ragay said 1,970 drug personalities have completed their community-based rehabilitation while 20 underwent rehabilitation in a facility.

He said there are still 171 surrenderers who are undergoing rehabilitation out of the 2,160 drug personalities who surrendered to the government since 2016.

Ragay said illegal drug violations top the list of crimes committed from March 16 to Dec. 7, at 34 percent or 68 incidents.

Ragay said they have filed 228 cases for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Anti-Illegal Drugs Law of 2002 involving 335 suspects.

Record shows there were 130 persons convicted, 112 accused who availed of plea bargaining agreement after an order of conviction, and 133 others have applied and granted plea bargaining agreement.

There were also 98 whose cases are still being heard in court.

Ragay said a total P85.19 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated during the period along with the arrest of 124 suspects.

There were also 84 arrested in buy-bust operations and 20 during police patrol activities. – PNA