Abalos urges local execs to strengthen campaign vs illegal drugs
By Chito Chavez
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. prodded on Thursday, Aug. 4, local chief executives (LCEs) to further strengthen their respective Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs).
“Humihingi po ako ng tulong about illegal drugs (I am seeking 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,” Abalos told the local officials during the orientation program.
The DILG chief explained that the BADACs play a critical role in the Whole-of-Government approach in countering the proliferation of illegal drugs in the communities.
BADAC is the grassroots program of the DILG aimed at organizing barangay officials and other stakeholders as the first line of defense in countering drug-related crimes in barangays.
Among its responsibilities are 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; and, monitoring individuals who are undertaking Community-Based Rehabilitation Treatment.
A government that listens
Abalos also assured the LCEs in Northern Mindanao that the Marcos jr. administration is a government that listens and actively seeks consultations with local officials and various stakeholders on issues being encountered on the ground.
He noted that the DILG will keep its lines open for all LCEs to be an efficient bridge between the national and local governments.
“Huwag kayong mahihiya sa akin (Do not be shy). Do not treat me as a (DILG) Secretary, it’s the other way around. Kayo ang boss ko (You are my boss),” Abalos said.
“I’m here to serve you, not for me to just give orders. I’m not that kind of person. That is how we shall espouse unity among us, that is how we shall espouse being proactive,” he added. (Chito A. Chavez)