THE Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have renewed their vow to further strengthen the country’s fight against illegal drugs, which has affected nearly 9,000 barangays in the country.
On Monday, December 12, 2022, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. led the rollout of its multi-sectoral flagship program Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (Bida), which focuses on demand reduction and rehabilitation of drug users using a more intensified and holistic approach down to the grassroots level within the framework of the law, with respect for human rights and complemented by socioeconomic development.
The highlight of the event was the ceremonial turnover of Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) to the Department of Health (DOH), in preparation for their Recovery Wellness Program (RWP) under the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP).
Abalos said there should be an orderly and close coordination between government agencies amid the bid to end the drug problem in the country.
Out of the 42,046 barangays in the country, a total of 8,977 were still affected by illegal drugs.
Of the affected villages, 329 were classified as seriously affected, 6,263 moderately affected and 2,635 were slightly affected.
In Metro Manila, out of the 1,710 barangays, 950 were still considered affected by illegal drugs.
With 236,083 baseline data in 2016 and 90,582 harmonized drug surrenderers data, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) launched Recovery and Wellness Program where 13,804 already graduated while 4,483 out of the remaining 76,778 is expected to graduate on January 2023.
Under these programs, enrolled drug dependents undergo spiritual and values formation, one-on-one and group counseling sessions, skills training, and livelihood opportunities, and sports, art, and culture development to transform lives, restore human dignity, and finally reintegrate drug dependents into their communities.
Abalos also sought for the cooperation of the public in the fight against illegal drugs.
“Hindi biro ito. This war against drugs, ibang klaseng mga tauhan ang kalaban natin dito kaya malaking bagay ang katulong natin dito ang taong bayan, habang the police force, PDEA and the other law enforcement agency are doing their job, yun ang palawakin talaga natin kaya up to the Baranggay level tulungan nyo kami,” he said.
(This is not a joke. In this war against drugs, our enemy is a different kind of people here, so our helper here is the people, while the police force, PDEA and the other law enforcement agencies are doing their job. That's what we really need to expand, so up to the barangay level, help us.)
PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. echoed Abalos’ appeal to the public, saying teamwork is necessary in making the dream to eradicate illegal drugs in the country possible.
Abalos also warned drug operatives as he vowed to go after them once they dip their hand to the illegal drugs trade.
Last week, police arrested during a buy-bust operation in Taguig City the head of the PDEA’s Southern District Office chief and two agents. (SunStar Philippines)