NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - Three barangays in the municipality of Salvador Benedicto were the first in the whole province to declare themselves as drug-cleared barangays.

Barangays Bago, Bagong Silang, and Pinowayan were declared as "drug-cleared barangays" by their respective Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils after a verification by the Philippine National Police.

They were awarded the certification at a ceremony held at the municipal hall of the town.

Acting Provincial Police Director Senior Superintendent William Senoron challenged the officials of the three barangays to protect their communities from being infiltrated by illegal drugs.

Mayor Marxlen Dela Cruz meanwhile hopes that the four other remaining barangays in the town will also be declared drug free by the end of the year.