Cavite tops Region 4A dope rate

BATANGAS CITY — Cavite recorded the highest drug-affectation rate in CALABARZON at 23.66 percent, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

PDEA CALABARZON presented the figures during the Regional Peace and Order Council meeting held at the Batangas City Convention Center on 28 September.

Laguna followed with 21.15 percent, while Batangas posted 20.15 percent.

The agency clarified that the figures refer to drug affectation in the region and should not be interpreted as the percentage of residents using illegal drugs.

From 1 January to 24 September, PDEA conducted 2,362 anti-illegal drug operations, including casing and surveillance, contact meetings and test buys. The operations resulted in 8,076 arrests and the rescue of 62 minors.

PDEA also reported 87 compliant local government units and the establishment of 15 Balay Silangan facilities across the region.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 4A reported that focus crimes declined by more than 23 percent from the previous year despite an increase in overall crime incidents.

PRO 4A also reported 149 anti-illegal drug operations that resulted in the seizure of more than P111 million worth of illegal drugs.

The council reviewed the figures as government agencies and local officials discussed measures to strengthen peace and security across Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.