SIX Abra mayors will face the Ombudsman after being administratively charged Wednesday, March 27 by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for failure to organize and activate Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) in their areas.
Charged were mayors Estelita Bersamina of Lacub, Noel Castillo from Langiden, Patrocinio Abaya Jr. of Lagangilang, Darrel Domasing of Manabo, Jannsen Valera from Pidigan and Licuan-Baay’s Alejo Domingo.
DILG assistant secretary Ricojudge Echiverri led the filing of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Marlo Iringan, DILG-CAR regional director said “there will be no effect sa candidacy as it’s only a case filed at the moment. Wala pang decision. We do not know if there are other mayors to be charged.”
The DILG charged a governor and 50 mayors for non-activation as well as non-functional ADAC all over the country.
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.