Silay named first drug-cleared city in Negros region

By Glazyl M. Jopson

SILAY CITY, Negros Occidental — “The fight is not over.”

This was the message of Police Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, chief of the Silay City Police Station, after the city was officially declared the first drug-cleared local government unit (LGU) in Negros Occidental and the Negros Island Region (NIR).

The declaration came from the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing, chaired by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), during its third deliberation held at Antonio’s Hall, Golden Food Park, on Wednesday.

Mayor Joedith Gallego, accompanied by Darroca, received the Balangay Seal of Excellence from PDEA–NIR acting regional director Director II Melvin Estoque.

Councilors and barangay officials witnessed the event, which marked the successful clearing of all 16 barangays of illegal drug activities through the implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program.

Darroca emphasized that the drug-cleared status does not guarantee the permanent absence of illegal drugs.

He warned that illegal substances can still be brought in from other areas and said that with Silay’s large population, the threat remains.

“We will continue our law enforcement efforts and act on any information brought to us,” Darroca said.

He added that the police will not let their guard down and will persist with anti-illegal drug operations.

He noted that 30% to 40% of their drug-related apprehensions came from community reports, underscoring the vital role of public participation.

In his message, Darroca stressed that the illegal drug problem cannot be solved by enforcement alone.

“Arrests are necessary, but they are not the cure,” he said, explaining the rationale behind ‘Project: I Dream Big! Our Journey to a Drug-Free Community,’ a comprehensive action plan tailored for Silay.

“We moved away from just ‘catching bad guys’ to a holistic approach focusing on five pillars — prevention, law enforcement, rehabilitation, aftercare, and monitoring,” Darroca said.

He stressed that maintaining the drug-cleared status is a daily commitment.

“The hard part starts now,” he said, warning those who plan to bring drugs back into the “Paris of Negros.”

“Do not test us. We will not let you destroy what we have built. We will maintain the brilliance of Silay,” he added.

Darroca said the city government has spent more than PHP 30 million on the anti-drug campaign, which included the rehabilitation of more than 200 drug personalities over three years.

“PHP 30 million is a large number, but that amount is little compared to the number of families we save from the ill effects of illegal drugs. You cannot put a price tag on a drug-free home and a safe community,” he said.

He thanked the city government for its continued support, calling it instrumental in achieving drug-cleared status.

“Their support was not just moral, it was tangible. It was logistical and financial,” Darroca said, noting that not everyone sees the full extent of the city’s investment.

He also said Silay has proven that law enforcement can be firm on crime while remaining compassionate to those who choose to change.

Darroca, whose term is near its end after assuming office as Silay’s police chief in 2022, expressed hope that his successor will continue what has been started.

“It’s already in the system. All he needs to do is supervise,” he said.

Mayor Gallego expressed gratitude for the achievement, crediting the collective efforts of the police, barangay officials, the community, and the LGU.

He said that since taking office, he believed Silay would overcome the drug problem, citing the dedication of the police force to the anti-drug campaign.

Gallego also urged residents to stay away from illegal drugs, warning that drug abuse can destroy not just individuals but entire families.

Meanwhile, PDEA’s Estoque clarified that being declared drug-cleared means that while there was previous involvement in illegal drug activities, the area has successfully completed the Barangay Drug Clearing Program process.

He emphasized that the achievement is not only a win for Silay but a milestone for Negros Occidental, the oversight committee, and the nation.

“Every city we clear brings us closer to our vision of a drug-free Philippines. One cleared city is one more step toward a safer, stronger, and more resilient country,” Estoque said.

He called on stakeholders to maintain the progress by consistently implementing sustainability programs.

He added that long-term protection of barangays depends on vigilance and firm commitment.

According to Estoque, the accomplishment demonstrates good governance, strong community participation, and consistent effort at all levels.

“Silay has proven that political will, solid collaboration, unwavering support, and consistent implementation of sustainability initiatives can drive a community toward success,” he said.

Estoque said Silay City now holds the historic distinction of being the first drug-cleared city in the province and the NIR since its reactivation in August.