INTERIOR and Local Government Assistant Secretary for External and Legislative Affairs Ricojudge Janvier Echiverri advised the electorate to vote for candidates who are firm in the fight against illegal drugs in their respective barangays.
The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections is set on May 14.
“We should support President Rodrigo Duterte especially in his campaign against illegal drugs. If you are afraid to stop illegal drugs in your barangay, if you are afraid of the drug lords and drug pushers, it is much better than you should not run but rather give way to those who are willing to do the job,” Echeverri said.
Echeverri was the guest speaker in the opening ceremonies of the 25th Panaad sa Negros Festival on Saturday at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
“This coming Barangay and SK elections, we should vote for a sincere and trustworthy candidate. Let us unite in his (Duterte) vision. There is strength in unity. To achieve the success in our government, there must be a collective effort and it must start with the people. So many changes and development have been made and done but it should be noted that for us to move forward to more development, each one of us must take part in preserving a united and harmonious relationship within the province and with the country,” Echeverri pointed out.
He told the public to always remember the policy of the president.
“What he did to Davao, they progressed because of peace and security. So it is a priority, that's why we encourage the barangays to participate in strengthening their anti-drug council. They have to organize it, plan it and they should not be afraid to tell who are the drug lords involved in their respective places especially the drug pushers because if we will not act on it, peace will not reign in your barangay,” he said.
“Our call right now is if you are afraid, then don't run. Give it to those people who have wisdom and sincere,” Echeverri reiterated.
Echeverri said there are 73 barangays all over the country that have not organized their Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Badac). He added they are now planning to file the case next week against these erring barangays.
“I would like to appeal to voters to vote for the barangay officials who are not involved in illegal drugs especially those who are not afraid to expose the drug lords and drug pushers. Don't consent your constituents in illegal drugs,” Echeverri said. (TDE)