MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) welcomed the move of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to file administrative charges pursuant to RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“In the absence of a functioning BADACs, there is a high probability that these barangays have officials who are involved in the illegal drug trade, or their barangays are havens of illegal drug activities,” he said.
“PDEA reiterates its call for these non-compliant barangays not only activate but also strengthen their BADACs. The battle against illegal drugs at the community and street levels definitely starts in barangays. BADACS are important in maintaining a pro-active stand in shielding the people from the drug menace,” the PDEA chief added.
An oversight body on the barangay drug-clearing program was created to ensure the regularity and the accuracy of the program.
It is composed of local representatives from the PDEA, DILG, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health (DOH), and LGUs.
There are defined roles and responsibilities set for each member of the Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug-Clearing Program, as well as the parameters prior the declaration of a “Drug-Cleared Barangay”, pursuant to the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), Regulation No.3, Series of 2017, on Strengthening the Implementation of Barangay Drug Clearing Program.
“The sustainability and unified effort of the agencies concerned will lead to the realization of our goal for Drug-Free Philippines by 2022”, Aquino said. (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
