BONTOC, Mountain Province -- In efforts to further strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs in the province, Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr. issued Executive Order 18, series of 2016 reorganizing the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council.
The PADAC is chaired by Governor Lacwasan and co-chaired by Police Provincial Office director Senior Superintendent Cornelio Comila. Members are Regional Trial Court Branch 35 Judge Joseph Patnaan, Assistant Provincial Health Officer Dr. Penelope Domogo, Schools Division Superintendent Gloria Buya-ao, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Rosalinda Belagan, Provincial Information Officer Novy Afidchao, Fr. Marcial Lloyd Castaneda representing the religious sector and Paula Acofo of the Bontoc Market Vendors Association.
Angel Baybay of the Governor's Office will be the focal person of the Provincial Government and will serve as secretariat.
The EO calls for a more aggressive and unified stance against illegal drugs to help ensure community peace and harmony in the province.
Previous police reports attributed the increase in crime incidence to the use of illegal drugs.
Earlier, the Department of the Interior and Local Government issued a memorandum circular calling for the strengthening and operation of the Anti-Drug Abuse Council in all levels of local governments. Among others, the Provincial ADAC will serve as focal point which various organizations and individuals work together cooperatively in the planning, implementation and evaluation of programs on illegal drug abuse prevention. It is one standing committee of the Provincial Peace and Order Council.
In Wednesday’s PPOC meeting, Comila reported that there are 461 drug personalities in the province who were either arrested or have surrendered to local authorities. (Andrew Dogaong/PIA-CAR)