Barangay officials' help sought in fight vs. drug pushers

Councilor Augustus "Jun" Pe Jr. yesterday called on barangay officials to help in eradicating drug pushers in their respective areas as part of the anti-illegal drug campaign.

"Dili kita ang modakop apan ang atong strategy mao ang pag-abog aning mga drug pusher sa atong kabaranggayan," Pe told the over 100 barangay officials in the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Committees congress held at the MCWD auditorium yesterday.

The event was held under the auspices of the city government and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Pe, dangerous drugs committee chairman, reminded barangay officials and the members of the BADAC that they have vital roles in the fight against illegal drugs.

He told them that they know very well the residents in their respective barangays and, thus, could pinpoint who are those involved in the illegal activities.

"This problem remains a serious concern, especially at the barangay level, where pushers prey on the youth," Pe said, as he pushed for the more active role of barangay officials and BADAC members in containing the drug problem.

At the close of the congress, barangay officials were asked to submit information and situation reports on their barangays, and requests for assistance from the city government on the matter.

"In every barangay, there is different approach. We have to find it out kay ang mo-implementar sa mga programa sila man. Ang siyudad mo-assist ra nila kung unsa ang ilang kinahanglan," Pe said.

The BADAC program, in line with the Dangerous Drugs Board Resolution 12, provides for the establishment of community-based mechanisms to fight the drug problem.

DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno earlier ordered all local officials -from governors to barangay captains- to strengthen the existing 43,645 anti-drug abuse councils nationwide.

Puno directed these councils to have a confidential watch list of drug pushers and users in their respective areas, then coordinate with private groups in the planning, implementation and evaluation of drug abuse prevention programs.

These thousands of councils nationwide were set to help the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in monitoring and eradicating illegal drug activities.

If these are not enough, the DILG also suggested to LGUs to organize BADAC auxiliary teams to report drug dependent cases and suspected pushers in their respective areas, prepare and distribute information materials on illegal drugs, and set up alternative activity programs for the youth.

The DILG also wanted other agencies and organizations to assist the BADAC in the campaign. The Sangguniang Kabataan, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts organizations, Parent-Teachers Community Associations and religious organizations, among others, should also participate, it said. - Garry B. Lao