32 Barangays in Ozamis declared illegal drugs free

By: Bhal Cabrerra

Ozamis City – Six more barangays in Ozamiz City have officially been declared as “Drug-Cleared Barangays” by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) as of Tuesday, April 22.

The newly certified barangays include Bacolod, Calabayan, Diguan, Molicay, Pulot, and Sinuza, bringing the total number of drug-cleared barangays in the city to 32 out of 51.

“Layo pa, pero layo na!” the city government said in a statement, echoing the ongoing journey towards a drug-free Ozamiz under the flagship campaign of Padayon Asenso Ozamiz, spearheaded by Mayor Indy Oaminal.

The recognition from ROCBDC is part of a rigorous evaluation process involving the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and local government units (LGUs).

These agencies jointly validate sustained anti-drug efforts, community participation, and the presence of rehabilitation and reintegration programs. Mayor Oaminal, in one of his recent public engagements, emphasized that the fight against illegal drugs is not just a government responsibility but a community movement.

“Ang tinuod nga kalampusan sa kampanya kontra droga makita kung ang komunidad mismo ang moengganyo sa kabatan-onan nga molikay sa bisyo ug manginabuhi nga limpyo. Dili lang kini kampanya sa akong administrasyon, kundi usa kini ka paningkamot nga giuyonan sa katawhan,” Oaminal said.

“Padayon ta sa pagpaningkamot. Dili ni dali nga dalan, pero kung kita magtinabangay, ang Ozamiz mahimong ehemplo sa tibuok rehiyon ug nasud.” He also pointed out that drug-cleared status is not the end goal, but a commitment to continued vigilance and community empowerment. With 19 barangays still under watch, the local government is doubling down on its initiatives, including regular barangay-based drug education, rehabilitation partnerships, and livelihood support for reforming drug dependents.

For Ozamiz City, each newly cleared barangay marks another step forward in building a safe, resilient, and hopeful future for all Ozamiznons.