Now, it’s not just illegal drugs, criminality and corruption that the Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga (MASA MASID) program will look into.
According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the prime mover of MASA MASID, violent extremism and other threats to peace and security are now among the issues that this volunteerism-inspired program can focus on.
In its recently issued revised guidelines, the DILG said that as a response to recent terrorism-related attacks, MASA MASID may play a significant role in preventing the entry of groups or individuals bent on spreading fear within the community.
“The Department recognizes the vital role of citizen volunteers in countering terrorism, especially if the impending attacks can take place in their own backyard, thus we’ve integrated anti-terrorism in the MASA MASID guidelines,” DILG Assistant Secretary Roosque Calacat, the program administrator, says.
Calacat says that MASA MASID, as a volunteer-based program, will tap various stakeholders in the community to encourage individual and groups to report terrorism-related activities deemed as a threat to the peace and order situation of their localities.
He says local chief executives (LCEs), as Chairpersons of their respective MASA MASID Steering Committees, should mobilize the support of the LGU and other stakeholders within their jurisdictions to counter these concerns.
City or municipal administrators or a department head designated by the LCE as member of the technical working group shall assist in the organization of MASA MASID Team (MMT) and provide technical assistance.
MMT is the barangay-based main implementing arm and shall work closely with the Barangay Peace and Order Committee and the barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council.
The MASA MASID directive also calls on city and municipal representatives of Anti-Drug Abuse Council, and Peace and Order Council to work closely with the DILG City or Municipal Field officer for the efficient implementation of the MASA MASID program and provide technical and Secretariat support.
Liga ng mga Barangay City or Municipal Chapter Presidents are also urged to assist in the organization and orientation of MMTs and collaborate with the MMTs in the conduct of advocacy activities within their jurisdictions. (DILG)
