PALO, Leyte – To fulfill its commitment to the campaign against illegal drugs, the Police Regional Office-8 launched the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program on Wednesday, November 8.
Hundreds of advocacy support groups, force multipliers, and Kasimbayan faith-based volunteers expressed their support for the program by signing a partnership agreement with the Anti-Crime Coalition for Peace and Progress International (ACCPPI).
BIDA program uses a holistic approach to tackle the country's drug problem, anchored on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s anti-illegal drugs campaign with due respect for the law and human rights.
It utilizes a strategic framework based on the three pillars: Prevention and health promotion, law enforcement and penology, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration.
Carigara, Leyte Mayor Eduardo Ong Jr., one of the two drug-cleared municipalities recognized in the event, thanked the local government and barangay officials and the Philippine National Police.
"We're just getting started as the fight against illegal drugs is a never-ending battle. We should continue to stay vigilant and rehabilitate previous users to ensure we have a safe and productive community," he said.
The municipality of Javier, Leyte and Barangays Cinco Sierra, Catbalogan City, Samar, and Gacao, Palo, Leyte were also declared drug-cleared.