Maguindanao: 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA-BARMM stated that 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. Meanwhile, Mayor Akmad Ampatuan accepted the award for Shariff Aguak, which was cited for preventive education and reintegration of persons who used drugs.

Maguindanao del Norte Vice Governor Datu Marshall Sinsuat and Mayor Bai Raida Sinsuat received the seal for Datu Blah Sinsuat for maintaining its drug-free status.

Jubay noted that the conferment reflects PDEA's strengthened partnership with LGUs and their shared commitment to promoting safe, drug-free communities across the region. PDEA-BARMM also revealed that more than half of Lanao del Sur's 1,165 villages have been cleared of illegal drugs.