DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Martin Diño said barangay officials who fail to activate the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Badac) in their respective areas and ensure that anti-drug abuse programs are implemented will face charges.
He issued the statement in response to claims that some Badacs are not functioning well and some barangay officials are even involved in the illegal drugs trade. He said the DILG is already monitoring all barangays.
Diño was in Davao City to attend the launching of the Bayan for Bong Go (B4BG) Movement on Monday, April 9.
"The barangay officials, as the forefronts, should prove their commitment to their respective communities and get rid of drugs by activating the Badac otherwise we will file an administrative case against them," Diño said in an interview.
He added that barangay captains should lead the fight against illegal drugs and ensure there is a junction of efforts among the leaders to implement and enforce the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the country in the community level.
The role of the Badac is to plan, strategize, implement and evaluate programs and projects on drug abuse prevention in barangays and to organize and orient auxiliary teams on their roles and functions and in formulating plan of action.
The council is also expected to coordinate and collaborate with other institutions such as the police and the municipal or city government in implementing program/project on drug abuse prevention in the barangay level, according to DILG.
It should also refer suspected drug pushers and/or users to the city or municipal agencies and/or other institutions for counseling and/or rehabilitation. It should also conduct an information and education campaign against illegal drugs.
The Badac is composed of the barangay chairperson, and the Sangguniang Barangay member who is the chair of the committee on peace and order as vice chairperson.