COTABATO, Feb. 17 -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro region awarded three local government units (LGUs) the "Balangay Seal of Excellence" on Monday for their implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program.

In a statement Tuesday, PDEA-BARMM said Regional Director Edgar Jubay conferred the awards to the municipalities of Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao del Sur, and Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte.

Mayor Rasul Sangki received the seal for Ampatuan, recognizing the LGU's commitment to sustaining drug-cleared barangays through community-based initiatives.

Mayor Akmad Ampatuan accepted the award for Shariff Aguak, cited for preventive education and reintegration of persons who used drugs....