FIVE mayors in Ifugao and Abra provinces in the Cordillera Administration Region were among the 45 chief executives who were charged before the Office of the Ombudsman for failing to create anti-drug abuse councils (ADACs).

As of Sunday, March 24, the names of the Cordillera mayors have yet to be released.

"Wala pa kaming official na nakuha from our central office," said Marlo Iringan, regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The DILG filed administrative complaints for grave misconduct and gross dereliction of duty against 20 mayors on March 14. Additional complaints against 25 mayors were filed on Wednesday afternoon, March 20.

Of the 45 mayors, 15 are from Bicol Region, particularly in Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon provinces.

Seven are from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), specifically in Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Lanao del Sur provinces.

There are five in Mimaropa, all from Palawan province. In Central Visayas, four mayors were charged. All are from Cebu province.

In Caraga, all three mayors are in Agusan del Norte province. There are also three in Calabarzon, particularly in Laguna and Quezon provinces.

There are two from Cagayan Valley – one in Cagayan province and one in Nueva Vizcaya. There is also one in Eastern Visayas, from Eastern Samar province.

The DILG and the DDB issued Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 on May 21, 2018, mandating all local government units (LGUs) to activate, strengthen and ensure the functionality of their local ADACs; approve a comprehensive local anti-drug plan of action to eliminate drug affectation; and appropriate a substantial amount of funds for anti-illegal drugs related programs, activities and operations.

This was followed by numerous DILG directives and DDB regulations which have been cascaded to LGUs to remind and direct local chief executives to organize their respective ADACs. (Maria Elena Catajan)