Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 4) — Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Thursday urged local chief executives to strengthen the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) under their jurisdictions in line with the Marcos administration’s “war on drugs.”
The department said BADAC is its grassroots program which aims to organize barangay officials and other stakeholders as the first defense in countering drug-related crimes.
“Humihingi po ako ng tulong [I am asking for help] about illegal drugs. We will intensify the war on drugs, and we will start at the grassroots. So please, I am requesting you to harness the capability and strengthen your BADACs,” he said.
The council is responsible for identifying drug-affected areas, creating BADAC plan of action, equipping barangay tanods and BADAC auxiliary team on their roles and functions in the campaign against illegal drugs, assisting persons who used drugs (PWUDs) who surrendered to Barangay Rehabilitation and Referral Desk, monitoring individuals who are undertaking community-based rehabilitation treatment, among others.
“Nanawagan tayo sa mga gobernador at mayors na siguruhin na ang ating mga BADAC ay maayos na gumagana at nakakatulong sa pagprotekta sa mga komunidad laban sa iligal na droga at mga tagapagpalaganap nito,” he added.
[Translation: I’m calling on the governors and mayors to make sure that our BADACs are working well and can help in protecting the community against illegal drugs and its proliferators.]
On Wednesday, new Philippine National Police Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the “war on drugs” will continue but the focus will shift to the supply route of narcotics coming into the country.
He said it is important to identify the modes used in importing illegal drugs to ensure supply is reduced, if not cut completely.
READ: New PNP chief wants to shift drug war focus toward supply chain
