DUMAGUETE CITY, June 18 -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Thursday that of the 557 barangays in Negros Oriental, 290 have been declared "drug-cleared" while 53 are "drug-free."

PDEA Negros Oriental chief Elmer Ebona said this leaves 214 barangays as "drug-affected," based on the latest data under the Barangay Drug Clearing Program.

"A drug-cleared barangay is one that was previously identified as being affected by illegal drug activities but has successfully undergone rigorous interventions and met all required parameters, demonstrating the absence of drug supply, drug pushers, and drug dens," Ebona said.

On the other hand, a drug-free classification is granted to barangays that have been vetted by the oversight...