Mayors from different local government units — from Luzon, Visayas to Mindanao — attended the Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Awards.
Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, who continues to promote the anti-drug program, was among the occasion’s main guests.
The secretary first unveiled the various anti-drug accomplishments during the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., where they confiscated billions worth of drugs.
“Una, paghuli sa Pampanga nung kauupo lang ng Presidente P408 million, mayroong nagkakahalagang P173 million sa Quezon City, P7 billion worth, one of the biggest buy bust yung P1 billion. Mayroon din sa Cavite at sa Baguio, sa Cordillera, tone-tonelada o nasa 4 billion…Under Marcos admin, more or less 20 billion in drugs ang nakuha ng mga enforcers,” said Abalos.
But Abalos admitted that the government’s fight against drugs is a big challenge. So according to the secretary, “To battle this problem, we have to get to the grassroots. The battle depends on the LGU.”
DILG boasts successful anti-drug operations
Abalos also encouraged everyone to give feedback on the “war on drugs” in their respective areas, and it is important to report if there is a drug problem in an area.
“We have policies on the ground, sabihin nyo sakin if despite what you’re doing — marami pa rin drugs — para malaman namin at para makalampag ang Chief of Police sa lugar nyo. That is very important – feedback mechanism,” said Abalos.
The DILG also continues to partner with various agencies and private companies, including the media, restaurants and institutions that have pledged to do anti-drug programs, including ABS-CBN and other networks.
“Kanina nag-MOA signing with private companies, malalaking kumpanya gaya ng McDo. They will have their own anti-drug program, ang mandatory drug testing,” the secretary added.
He said it is also important to spread anti-drug information that can be started among the youth in the field of sports. “You can lecture in PBA and SK,” said Abalos.
The Anti-Drug Abuse Council also honored the LGUs for their active participation against illegal drugs.
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